Godlisten was born in Tanzania on May 15th, 2015. After praying for a baby for a long time, his mother named him “God-listen” because her prayers were answered when she was able to have a child. When Godlisten was two months old, his sister was carrying him near some boiling tea. The chair gave way as she sat down, and Godlisten’s hand went straight into the boiling tea. The tea spilled on both of them and they incurred severe burns. Godlisten can no longer use his right hand due to a severe burn scar contracture on his wrist and hand. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares, “Left untreated, Godlisten will have a non-functioning right hand, which will affect his ability to perform various activities as he continues to grow.” Godlisten’s father works as a security guard at a privately owned company. Godlisten’s mother used to sell secondhand clothes, fry and sell donuts, and crochet, but she no longer works. The whole family now relies on Godlisten’s father’s salary, which is not enough to cover their basic needs or Godlisten's treatment. With $870, Godlisten will receive a contracture release and skin graft. Afterwards, Godlisten will be able to use his hand normally. “It is a miracle that my son is alive. I give thanks and pray for another miracle that his hand can be straightened so that he can use it normally,” Godlisten’s mother shares.

Shalo is a nine-month-old infant from Ethiopia living with an imperforate anus. An imperforate anus is a type of anorectal malformation, where the malformed rectum threatens to complication normal bowel movements. An anorectal malformation is discovered upon birth, and is often accompanied with spinal or heart complications as well. Depending on the severity of the malformation, those with an imperforate anus can have chronic constipation, or in more serious cases, may need an emergency colostomy. Shalo was one who needed to have an emergency colostomy due to obstruction of his bowels. Since then he has been unable to independently pass stool, and is exposed to further colostomy complications such as leakages, infection, or obstruction. Shalo is the third child born to his family. His father works as a laborer, and makes approximately $2.40 per day. Since birth, Shalo has needed full time care, and his mother has stayed at home to take care of him and his siblings. With the reduced income, saving for the needed procedure has been difficult. “All I need is my boy to get the treatment and be healed,” says Shalo’s mother. “Then I can get back to my work and help support my family too.” Shalo needs a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty to surgically reposition the rectum and anus and better allow for regular bowel movements. After the surgery, a colostomy opening will be created to allow recovery from the anorectoplasty. Then, two to three months later, a colostomy closure will be done to complete the process. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, tells us that for $1,500, Shalo can have the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and colostomy closure he needs. The total cost includes the antibiotics, imaging, and inpatient stay. After his recovery, he is expected to be able to independently pass stool and allow his mother to return to work.

“Gift is a quiet, 16-year-old girl from Tanzania,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Gift started having seizures when she was eight years old. One afternoon, Gift started a fire and was going to boil some sweet potatoes when suddenly she started convulsing. She fell down and her blouse caught fire. She was rushed to the hospital where she was admitted for a few months.” The burns on both of Gift’s arms caused the muscles to be deformed and she is unable to move them. If not treated, Gift’s arms will never be fully functional. Despite her condition, Gift tries to wash some dishes and wash her own clothes. Her mother has a small charcoal business and her father works as a carpenter, but their income is not large enough to pay for Gift’s surgery. Gift's condition causes her to be heavily reliant on help from other people and as a result, she will not be able to properly support herself in the future. $870 will cover contracture release surgery to remove the excess scar tissue from Gift’s elbows, restoring a fuller range of motion in both arms. It will also provide Gift with the medicine and hospital stay she needs to recover. “I hope my daughter will be able to use her hands so that she can become more independent,” says Gift’s mother.

Namayana's mother noticed that her six-month-old daughter's head was increasing in size and her eyes were changing after recovering from meningitis. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares that Namayana's mother sought medical attention for her daughter, who was then diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is excessive buildup of fluid in the brain and causes the head to swell and enlarge. "Despite her condition, Namayana is very strong," AMHF shares. "She can lift her legs high up while laying in bed. She wants to sit and move around but the size of her head won't let her." If the condition persists, Namayana may face brain damage and issues with mental and physical development. "Namayana needs treatment to prevent further developmental problems," AMHF shares. "Namayana’s mother is a homemaker and her father is a livestock keeper," but they are unable to come up with the funds for their daughter's treatment. In order to treat Namayana's hydrocephalus, doctors will insert a shunt to drain the excess fluid from her head. $775 covers the cost of surgery, a five-day hospital stay, antibiotics, and follow-up care for Namayana. AMHF expects a positive outcome. "There will be no more progressive head enlargement for Namayana and there will also be a reduced physical developmental delay." “I will be happy to see my daughter getting stronger and growing up like her siblings,” says Namayana’s mother.

“Laxman studies in the second grade and is a bright student,” says our Nepalese medical partner, Possible. “He enjoys reading Nepali stories and playing volleyball.” Several months ago, the nine-year-old boy from Nepal developed an inguinal hernia, a condition where part of the lower intestine protrudes through a weakened section of the abdominal cavity, causing a painful bulge. “Although initially it did not make much of a difference, it has been painful for a while now," Possible shares. "It also hurts when clothes rub against it or it is touched accidentally.” Laxman's father adds, “He cannot run or walk long distance.” Without intervention, Laxman’s condition could worsen and put him at risk of hernia strangulation, which cuts off blood flow from parts of his body. To support the family, Laxman’s parents tend to their farm. However, their modest income prevents them from being able to support the cost of Laxman’s operation. For $491, Laxman will undergo a hernia repair surgery. During this procedure, surgeons will insert the displaced section of the intestine back into its normal position. Following surgery, Laxman will remain under close medical supervision. This operation offers Laxman both short-term and long-term benefits. Possible states, “Having the surgery will not only prevent Laxman's hernia strangulation but it will also relieve his discomfort.” "I hope Laxman's condition will not cause any complications in future," Laxman's father shares. "I wish for his treatment to be successful."

Mesiaki was born at home on December 28th, 2015. “He is the first born to his young parents who are still living at Mesiaki’s grandparents’ house (father’s side) while slowly trying to build their own house,” says our medical partner in Tanzania, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Mesiaki was born with a condition called spina bifida — a protrusion on his lower back which is growing with time. Although Mesiaki is active and breastfeeding well there is a risk that the protrusion may burst leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), creating bigger health problems. Mesiaki is also at risk of developing hydrocephalus if not treated. “Mesiaki’s mother is very worried about the condition of her son,” AMHF says. “She was unable to bring him to the hospital sooner because they needed a few days to gather enough cash to travel from their village to a hospital where their baby can receive proper treatment. Mesiaki’s parents are small scale farmers; they rely on selling the little that remains after taking out what they need for food.” $1,200 will cover the cost of surgery to treat Mesiaki’s condition, and prevent future complications. After treatment, “The protrusion on Mesiaki’s back will be removed, allowing him to sleep on his back, continue with normal growth, and he will also be out of the risk of developing hydrocephalus.” “God has given us this beautiful baby and we pray that He will see him through his health problem,” Mesiaki’s mother says. “We would love to see him growing up like other children and later on live an independent life.”

At 16 months old, Eliseo is the youngest of ten children. He lives with his parents and siblings in a small adobe house in Guatemala. Eliseo loves to play with his brothers, especially with toy cars and balls. However, due to acute malnutrition, he often has low energy and stamina, and is frequently sick with fevers and diarrhea. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), tells us that Eliseo's mother first brought him to a local health clinic where a nurse told her that Eliseo was not getting the calories he needed. Without a healthy diet, "Eliseo is far below the average height for age and weight for age and if intervention does not occur, he will be physically and mentally stunted," his doctor says. Eliseo's immune system is also weakened--increasing his risk of chronic disease. Eliseo’s mother does household chores and collects firewood to sell. However, the family is primarily dependent on Eliseo’s father’s modest income earned as fieldworker. WK tells us “Eliseo’s family does not have enough money to afford the amount of food and the quality of calories that Eliseo needs.” For $535, Eliseo will undergo intensive nutrition therapy. He will receive micronutrient food supplementation as well as medication to prevent infections during his treatment. Combined, this intervention will improve Eliseo's immunity and overall nutrition--allowing Eliseo to regain the height and weight he has lost. He will also have improved long-term health, including reduced risk of chronic disease. Eliseo’s mother will also receive the education she needs to support her children. She adds, "with the help of God and the institution, kids like our son will begin to get the food and care they need to grow. This is such a blessing.”

Tracy is an 18-month-old baby girl from Uganda, where she lives with both of her parents. A year ago, Tracy’s father developed a disability that prevents him from working, leaving the family dependent on her mother’s income as a subsistence farmer. “Tracy has acute malnutrition, diarrhea, and has not yet fully developed,” our medical partner, the Kellermann Foundation, tells us. Poor nutrition has pushed back Tracy’s development during a crucial time in her life--at 18 months, she has not yet started to walk as most healthy children do. If untreated, malnutrition will continue to diminish Tracy’s immune system, making her susceptible to illness. She will also continue to miss mental and physical developmental milestones. With her father out of work and her mother supporting the whole family, Tracy’s family cannot save to afford the treatment. For $375, Tracy will receive treatment for acute malnutrition. Doctors and nutritionists will work together to provide Tracy the appropriate antibiotics to help cure her infection and diarrhea. She will also be provided with micronutrient support and food supplements to help her meet her nutritional needs. With our support and the help of the doctors and nutritionists, Tracy will begin to hit major developmental milestones at the same rate as other children. She will also benefit from having a stronger immune system, improved energy, and better focus--giving her the opportunity to to reach her full potential. Tracy’s parents are eager to see their baby begin to thrive. “Seeing my child healthy again will be like I have just been born,” her mother shares. “I lost my other baby and am so praying for Tracy to recover.”

Meet Elvis, an eight-month-old boy from Kenya. Elvis’ father is a long-distance truck driver and his mother stays home to take care of him. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares that Elvis was born with hypospadias -- a developmental condition in which the urethra is unable to grow to its full length. As a result, the urethral opening is located towards the middle, bottom-side of the penis. “Elvis’ parents had never heard of hypospadias until their only son was born with the condition,” AMHF tells us. AMHF continues, “When they further investigated, they were told about this condition and how much it would cost to repair it – a price they cannot afford.” Despite their efforts, Elvis’ parents have been unable to raise the funds necessary for this life-altering surgery for their son. For $655, Elvis can receive a hypospadias repair and 10 days of recovery in the hospital. This surgery provides a long-term solution to this condition by extending the length of the urethra. “It is undoubtedly disheartening to hear about Elvis’ condition,” shares Elvis’ mother. “But what gives me this gleam of hope is the fact that it can be corrected and he will grow to have a fulfilling life just like any other child.”

Natnael is a four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. Although he is at the age where he should join school, his hypospadias prevents him from doing so. Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the urethra is not properly developed. After birth, it presents as a misplaced urethra opening either on the underside or towards the middle of their penis. “Natnael cannot pass urine while standing,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "If not treated, Natnael is at risk of urinary tract infection and infertility in future." For $1155, surgeons will move the opening of the urethra to its correct position. This repair significantly lowers Natnael's risk of getting urinary tract infections or becoming infertile later in life. Natnael’s father is a teacher, and hopes to send his son to school once his condition is treated.

Lawai is a newborn baby from Tanzania. His parents work on a small-scale maize and bean farm to support the family. "Lawai was born with a lesion on his lower back -- a myelomeningocele, which can easily get infected, causing bigger health problems if not treated," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Lawai's parents adore their son but cannot afford the cost of his necessary treatment. For $1,200, Lawai will undergo life-saving surgery to close the lesion on his back. This surgery will prevent further health complications, including the risk of infection, and allow him to reach his developmental milestones. His mother tells AMHF, “we have been blessed with another son and we hope that he will get better so that he can grow up like his brother, and have the opportunity to go to school and later on live an independent life."