Leah is a child from Tanzania. She is the first born child in her small family, she a playful and curious little girl. Leah’s mother is a stay home mother and her father works as a casual labor. Leah was diagnosed with left genu varus. Her left leg is bowed outward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she has difficulty walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Leah. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 13th. Treatment will hopefully restore Leah's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Leah’s mother say, “Please help my daughter get this treatment so he is able to walk without pain or difficulty.”

Chhunny is a 20-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He enjoys listening to music, helping with the housework, and taking care of his son. In June 2017, Chhunny was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in the fracture of his lower left leg and ankle. He often experiences pain and numbness, and it is difficult for him to walk normally. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 7, Chhunny will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $430. Surgery will ensure that Chhunny's leg heals properly, and that he will be able to walk without difficulty. He says, "I hope that I will be able to walk without any pain, and will be able to return to work."

Sue is a 48-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother, husband and son in Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State. Sue and her husband are farmers. Sue has a kidney stone. She has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Sue's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Sue is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on July 3. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Sue's procedure and care. Sue said, “I would like to become healthy again, so that I can be able to work and support my family.”

Prince is a four-year-old boy from Tanzania. He has been diagnosed with genu varus. His legs bow outward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Prince. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 21. Treatment will hopefully restore Prince's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Prince’s mother says, “We would like to see our son walking normally like his sister but we are unable to afford the treatment cost please help us.”

Chhorn is a woman from Cambodia. In October 2018, Chhorn slipped and fell, fracturing her left hip. She visited Kampong Thom provincial hospital where she received an x-ray and steroid cream for her injuries, but she still experiences pain and cannot walk without support. Surgery will help to reconstruct and align the hip bones so that Chhorn will be able to regain full movement in her hips. Surgery is scheduled fo May 7 and will cost $497. In her free time, Chhorn enjoys growing vegetables, feeding the farm animals, cooking for her family, and watching television.

Georgeline is a baby from Kenya. Her family is originally from Liberia. Georgeline has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Georgeline has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Georgeline will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Georgeline that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17 and will drain the excess fluid from Georgeline's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Georgeline will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. “I am so happy for the love and kind nature of people in Kenya. May God bless you all,” says Georgeline’s mother.

Mopiani is a boy from Tanzania. He is the fourth in a family of five children. Early last year, Mopiani developed a swelling on his mouth. The swelling has been increasing in size, making eating difficult. Mopiani traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 5, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Mopiani needs help to raise $689 to fund this procedure. Mopiani’s father says, “Please help our son.”

Dieunika is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents, two brothers, and one sister in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She is in the seventh grade and likes studying math and science. Dieunika has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart, leaving her sick and short of breath. On February 10, she will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner's care center. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery. Dieunika's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications. She says, "I am excited to have my heart fixed and want to say thank you to everyone who is helping me!"

Domingo is a retired carpenter originally from Mozambique who lives in Malawi. He tends to his farm with his friends from his village. With his wife, he has eight children and 15 grandchildren. Since March 2018, Domingo has had an inguinal hernia. This hernia has cause swelling and pain and prevents him from working fully. Fortunately, on January 17, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is requesting $334 to fund Domingo's surgery. The requested money pays for supplies, medications, and six nights of hospital stay. Domingo is very excited to be better and to go home and watch his crops grow so he can eat them. He says, “This program is wonderful...Thank you.”

Hosea is a motorcycle taxi operator from Kenya. He is a hardworking man. In early December, Hosea was hit by a falling tree while he was riding a motorcycle. He sustained a severe injury to his right leg. He cannot stand or walk with his right leg. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 20, Hosea will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk easily again once he is recovered. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure. Hoasea says, “My ultimate dream is to work in the matatu (public transport vehicles) industry in whichever capacity if I can find."

Cherly is a young adult from Haiti. She lives with her husband and 15-year-old daughter in Port-au-Prince. She is not currently working due to her heart condition. Cherly has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral and aortic regurgitation. Two of the valves of her heart are damaged as a result of an infection she suffered a number of years ago. As a result, her heart cannot adequately circulate blood through her body, and she is in heart failure. Cherly will fly to United States to receive treatment. On November 21, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will replace two of the damaged valves in her heart with artificial valves. Another organization, the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $75,000 to pay for surgery. Cherly's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Cherly's family overseas. She says, "I am looking forward to this surgery so I can spend more time doing things with my daughter."

Anny Sanic is a very enthusiastic and fun four-year-old girl from Guatemala. She lives with her mom and dad and loves to play with her dolls. She also loves to eat lots of bread and sing songs. Anny Sanic needs pterygium correction surgery. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. Common symptoms of a pterygium include redness, blurred vision, and eye irritation. Depending on how large the growth is, it can cause vision loss. Anny Sanic needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. She will receive further evaluation from an eye specialist, surgery to remove the pterygium, post-op follow-up treatment, as well as accompaniment and transportation throughout the treatment process. Pterygium surgery is safe, effective, and will positively impact Anny Sanic's life for years to come. The total cost of her procedure, scheduled for October 18, is $1,487.