Dennis is an 18-year-old boy from Kenya. He is being raised by his single mother, who is a casual laborer who relies on seasonal farm work and domestic jobs to provide for Dennis and his three siblings. From infancy, Dennis was a frail child who was frequently ill and required constant care. He experienced significant developmental delays, taking his first steps when he was nearly three years old. While his physical milestones came late, it was his lack of speech that concerned his mother the most. She longed to hear him speak, but Dennis remained unusually quiet. She would talk to him, and he would simply look back at her without responding. Instead of using words, he learned to communicate by lifting or pointing to objects whenever he needed something, a pattern that has continued throughout his life. When Dennis was three years old, he was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where fluid was drained from his ears. Unfortunately, this did not improve his condition. As he grew older, his mother enrolled him in school, but he consistently lagged behind his peers. Over the years, he adapted by relying on lip reading and sign language to communicate. Because of his hearing loss, he depends on watching his teachers' lips closely to follow lessons and understand what is being taught. Despite these challenges, Dennis performed well during his primary school years. However, the transition to secondary school has been much more difficult, as the academic demands have increased. On July 7th, Dennis will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help raising $1,171. The gift of hearing aids would significantly improve Dennis' ability to communicate, participate in class, and reach his full potential. His mother is appealing for support to make this life-changing intervention possible, giving Dennis the opportunity for a brighter and more independent future. "Sometimes when I read aloud in class or say certain words, the other children laugh at me. I want to hear better so I can read and speak with confidence," Dennis said quietly.

Daniel is a six-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and riding bicycles. During her pregnancy, Daniel’s father left the family, and his mother faced many challenges while raising him alone. With support from family members, Daniel continued to grow and receive care during the first year of his life from his aunt. Daniel's uncle noticed that there was something different about Daniel, and took him to a clinic for assessment. After examining Daniel and explaining the condition, the doctor helped the family understand that it was a manageable and treatable condition. Daniel’s mother then focused on raising him while waiting for an opportunity for surgery. Daniel was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Daniel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on May 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Daniel's mom said, “Thank you for giving me this opportunity. We are truly happy as this is not a small thing for our family. I sincerely hope Daniel will be doing well after the surgery.”

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Aliya is a 16-year-old girl from India. Her family is from Rampurhat in Birbhum, West Bengal. When she was five years old, Aliya sustained severe burn injuries when a lighted lamp accidentally fell on her while she was going to eat, and her nightgown caught fire. Since then, she has undergone multiple surgeries at our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, to address her burn-related complications. She continues to require treatment and is currently admitted for another surgery to further improve her condition. Aliya is scheduled for a post-burn contracture surgery on April 6th, and needs help raising $1,442 to fund her procedure and care. Aliya attends school, and ongoing surgical care is essential to help her regain function and lead a more independent life. Aliya's mother shared, "We are very happy with the surgeries our daughter has received at this hospital. We have seen a big difference in her condition, and we are grateful for the care and support she continues to receive."

Teresu is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. Growing up in a farming community, Teresu spends much of his time helping with crop cultivation, an important source of livelihood for his family. He has never attended school but actively contributes to family work in the fields. Teresu has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles remain apart. His right leg is however more severely affected than the left. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. The condition has caused Teresu discomfort during long hours of standing and walking, limiting his ability to work and participate in daily activities. Despite the challenges, he remains hardworking and hopeful. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Teresu. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Teresu's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Teresu says, “I want to walk and work without pain, so I can help my family better.”

Mu is a 75-year-old retired woman from Burma. She lives with her family in a refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand, with her son, daughter-in-law, three grandsons and two granddaughters. They moved to the refugee camp in April 2023 from their home in Bango Division, Burma, in order to escape the fighting and airstrikes in their village. Mu’s son, two older grandsons and older granddaughter work as agricultural day laborers in the camp. Her younger grandson and granddaughter are students in the camp. Mu is experiencing severe lower right back pain, nausea, and cannot eat. Her urine is cloudy, and she cannot stand or even sit up fully due to her pain. Her family is worried about the financial burden of treatment and their lack of access to care. Mu was diagnosed with kidney stones and physicians at our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, determined that Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) could resolve her symptoms. ESWL is a procedure that can break up the stones in the urinary system and the fragments will exit in the urine. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on February 6th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Mu's son expressed, “I see her in pain, but I cannot find the money to get her treatment.” Mu’s daughter-in-law said, “We are sad for her but happy that she will receive support. Thank you for helping her and finding a way for her to receive treatment. She has suffered for a long time.”

Gideon is a 10-year-old boy from Kenya, and the fifth-born in a family of seven children. Gideon’s parents first noticed a problem with his leg when he was only two months old. As he got older, it became evident that he was not developing like other children. Gideon was later diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement on one side of the body and makes walking difficult. Because of this condition, Gideon has faced many challenges. Although he is 10 years old, he is currently a Grade 1 pupil, whereas he should be in Grade 4. Difficulty in mobility has delayed his education, and limited his ability to play and move freely like other children. Despite these challenges, Gideon is a calm and hopeful child who longs to walk well and enjoy school like his peers. His father works as a herder, while his mother is a housewife who takes care of the family. Gideon’s parents have remained supportive and continue to hope for a better future for their son. His father shared his heartfelt wish, saying, “I want my child’s legs to be treated so that he can walk well like other children.” Gideon has clubfoot of right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Gideon traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on January 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gideon's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will improve his mobility, regain confidence, and continue his education without limitations. “I work hard as a herder, and my greatest hope is that this treatment will help Gideon walk better and go on with his schooling.” Gideon's father said.

Esubalew is a 12-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves school, but constant tonsil infections affect his attendance. His mother, raising three boys, faces the choice between frequent medicine and the life-changing tonsillectomy he needs. Three years ago, Esubalew started to experience recurring high fevers, severe difficulty swallowing, pronounced snoring, and significant sleep disturbance. He often lacks the energy to attend school. Esubalew was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Esubalew, which is scheduled to take place on July 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Esubalew of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Esubalew's mother shared, "My deepest wish is for my son to be happy so he can play with friends joyfully."

San is a nine-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his mother in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. San is a student, and his mother is an agricultural day laborer. Their monthly income is just enough to cover daily expenses. They can access free basic healthcare at the clinic close to the village where they live. In his free time, San likes playing football with his friends and riding his bicycle. He wants to be a footballer when he grows up. On November 28th, 2025, San experienced a stomachache while at school. His teacher took him to a clinic where he received medication to help reduce the pain. On December 1st, he started having a fever. His stomach started to swell, and the pain became unbearable. At our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, San was diagnosed with appendicitis. It is infected, so he needs surgery immediately. On December 4th, San will undergo an appendectomy, and our medical partner, Burma Medical Children Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund San's procedure and care. Once recovered, San will no longer be in pain and will be able to go back to school. San’s mother said, “I have only one family by my side, and I am worried about him. Without your help, I cannot imagine how my child will be. Thank you so much for the support.”