Risham is a three-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh, India. He lives with his mother and older brother. His father passed away last year, and his mother, a homemaker, has cared for the family on her own since then. Risham is described as a playful little boy who loves to have fun. When Risham was just one year old, he accidentally put his hand in hot milk, suffering severe burns. As the burns healed, the scarring caused his right index, middle, ring, and little fingers to contract, limiting the use of his hand. He wants to continue school and write, but because of the contracture, he currently uses his left hand. Risham's mother learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On September 10th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him regain mobility and function in his right hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Risham's mother shared, "I feel hopeful, and it would be good if he gets the treatment; he can start writing again."

Tewodros is an active and sociable two-year-old boy from Ethiopia, who loves watching cartoons and playing football. He has an older sister, and they live in a full household with their parents, aunt, and cousins. Since his father works as a daily laborer and his mother works as a cleaner, he spends most of his day under the care of his aunt. When he was barely a year old, Tewodros's parents noticed he was having difficulty urinating. Worried, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Tewodros was placed on a two-year surgery waiting list, due to the high number of children needing treatment. The alternative would be a private hospital, but Tewodros's parents could not afford the necessary fees. The family was finally referred to BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). They were overjoyed to finally receive the help they needed. Tewodros is now scheduled for surgery on May 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Tewodros's mother says, "I would like to thank BKMCM. I was so worried about my son starting school. We hope the organization continues to grow, and that Tewodros remains healthy."

Lysander is 81 years old and a father of two from the Philippines. He and his wife live with their daughter and son, who provides for the family's needs. He likes listening to the radio and reading the newspaper. Five years ago, Lysander was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him frequent pain, making him irritable. He has difficulty moving and lifting heavy objects. Fortunately, on February 7th, Lysander will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Lysander's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Lysander's children shared, "It is unbearable to see our father in pain, but now he has a chance to live normally again. He is looking forward to recovering and moving comfortably like before."

Isabel is a one-month-old baby girl who lives in Bolivia with her mother, a homemaker and former biochemical pharmacology student. Shortly after Isabel was born, doctors found fluid in her lungs and diagnosed her with a congenital heart condition called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). A VSD is a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart that causes blood to leak as the heart pumps. Isabel's condition prevents blood from circulating in her body normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. She has been hospitalized since her diagnosis. On March 24th, Isabel will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, a patch will be sewn over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through. Isabel's family needs $1,500 to help cover the cost of her treatment. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, will need the funds to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgery, follow-up care, and medications. Isabel's mother said, "I pray my daughter improves so she can gain weight and become healthy!"

Linus is a 29-year-old man from Kenya. Born in a large family of 12 children, Linus was not able to complete his studies as his parents could not afford school fees for Linus and his siblings. He was working as a casual laborer, but jobs were tough and inconsistent. Through hard work, he was able to purchase a second-hand public service vehicle, which provides him with a modest but honest living. Linus has two children, but they are living with their mother, with whom Linus is no longer in communication. On January 13th, Linus's life changed dramatically. He was assaulted with a machete and sustained multiple severe injuries. He suffered fractures of the left distal radius and ulna, open infected fractures of the left distal tibia and fibula, and cortical disruption of the right tibia. He received first aid treatment and was transferred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. Surgeons were able to treat his wounds and fractures on his arm, hand, and ankle. However, Linus still needs contracture release and a skin graft surgery to facilitate healing and regain strength and mobility. He has used up his government medical insurance because of his multiple procedures, and now needs help to raise funds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Linus receive treatment. On February 16th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help him use his hand easily again. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Linus says, "I am in the hospital fighting alone, the people that assaulted me are well known to me, I don't know why they did that to me. I thank God they didn't kill me. Hoping for recovery, please help me."

Grace is a two-year-old girl from Burma. She lives in a refugee camp in Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Ten years ago, her parents moved to the camp to escape the fighting in their village in Burma. Grace lives with her parents, older sister, two aunts, uncle, and her uncle’s wife. Grace’s mother raises pigs and chickens to sell in the camp, and her father is a day laborer. Since birth, Grace has had a hernia granuloma. Currently, Grace’s umbilicus produces bloody discharge every day. While Grace does not experience any pain, her mother’s anxiety grows each passing day. Fortunately, on January 19th, Grace will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Grace's hernia repair surgery. The procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Grace's mother shared, “I worry about what will happen to her if she doesn’t have this issue fixed now. The doctors told us that we needed to go to Chiang Mai for her treatment, which would cost a lot of money. We can't afford that. We don’t know what will happen to her.” Grace’s mom is extremely thankful to the donors for their financial support. She said, “Thank you so much to the donors for helping my child. I want to say so much, but I don’t know what to say. God has finally found a way for my child to receive treatment.”

Esther is a 16-year-old girl from Uganda. She was born healthy, and met all of her early developmental milestones, until it was time for her to begin speaking. At first, her parents believed her speech was simply delayed. However, as the months passed, it became clear that Esther was unable to develop speech like other children. By the age of three, although she appeared aware of the people around her, it was evident that she could not perceive sound. Esther's parents longed to hear her speak, and sought help from several hospitals. Unfortunately, financial constraints made it impossible for them to afford the care she needed. As a result, Esther was enrolled in a special school, where she learned sign language, and adapted remarkably well. She is now preparing to enter Grade 9 when school resumes. Esther’s sister shares that she loves writing, and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Recently, Esther was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where medical evaluations confirmed significant hearing loss. Doctors recommended hearing aids that would enable her to hear, to communicate more easily, and which would significantly improve her quality of life. However, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond the family’s means. Esther’s parents rely on small-scale farming for survival in Uganda, where the family lives, while her elder sister is the primary breadwinner, selling clothes to support the household. With hearing aids, Esther would have a real opportunity to experience a fuller, more independent life, and to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to raise $1,171 so Esther can be fitted with hearing aids on December 19th. Esther’s sister said: “She loves writing and helping other children, both at school and at home. I know that being able to hear would make a big difference in her life.”

Helen is a 63-year-old woman from the Philippines. She lives with her daughter and grandchildren. Helen noticed a small lump on the left side of her face. At first, she didn’t think much of it because it wasn’t painful, and it didn’t really bother her. She hoped it would go away on its own. However, over time, the lump gradually grew larger and became more noticeable. She began to worry, especially since it was close to her ear and jaw, and it was affecting her appearance and overall well-being. Her family is worried that it could cause other problems in the future. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On November 8th, Helen will undergo mass removal surgery. Now, she needs help to raise $1,500 to fund her procedure and care. Helen says, "This help brought me a sense of relief and renewed hope for me and my family. Thank you so much to everyone who strengthened my determination to undergo the procedure and showed their love and support for me."