Sokha is a 53-year-old motor taxi driver with four sons and one daughter. In his free time, he likes to watch boxing on TV and run for exercise. Three months ago, Sokha developed a pterygium in each eye. A pterygium is a growth that spreads across the clear tissue of the eye. This condition causes him blurred vision, tearing, light sensitivity, irritation, and itching. It is difficult for him to see things clearly, work, and go anywhere on his own. Sokha decided to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On December 16, eye surgeons at CSC removed the pterygium from each eye to allow Sokha to see clearly again. Now, he needs help to fund this $148 procedure. "I hope that I look better and feel more comfortable," says Sokha, "so that I can continue my work at a motor taxi driver to earn money for my family."

Meet Halima, a six-month-old baby girl from Ethiopia! According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Halima lives with her parents, who make a very modest income to support the family. Halima has an anorectal malformation -- a congenital malformation that occurs when the bowel is partially obstructed due to the improper development of the rectum and the anus. This causes problems with the elimination of stool, and impedes typical childhood development. “Halima was born with no hole for stooling—a condition known as 'imperforate anus,'” AMHF explains. In addition, AMHF comments that this condition causes Halima to experience issues with “passing stool and she has severe bowel obstruction.” As a temporary solution, Halima received a colostomy—the first process of the standard three-stage procedure to correct this malformation. Though the operation was successful, further surgical intervention is needed to fully address the condition. With $1,500, Halima will receive the final two operations necessary to correct her anorectal malformation. Halima’s second surgery—posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP)—will surgically repair the area surrounding her digestive structures. After a three-month recovery from PSARP, Halima will receive a colostomy closure to complete the three-part procedure, ultimately creating a functioning anal opening. Following this procedure, AMHF shares, “Halima will be able to pass stool normally. She will have a chance to grow up normally and healthily.” Her parents promise to send Halima to school once she is fully recovered and old enough for schooling.

Meet Alefa, a 57-year-old woman from Malawi. “Alefa is a housewife with eight children. She depends on farming cassava to earn a living,” shares our medical partner, World Altering Medicine (WAM). Alefa was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. WAM tell us the tumor causes her to experience severe headaches and poor sight. Because of her condition, Alefa requires constant support. $1,500 will fund a resection of the brain, removing the tumor so that normal brain tissue can continue to grow. The funding Alefa receives will also ensure that she receives post-surgical monitoring in the ICU along with medications and further brain imaging. “Alefa says she will be very grateful if she finds well-wishers to support her to have surgery, so that she can get back to normal,” shares WAM.

Meet Johnny, a 30-year-old man from Haiti. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), tells us, “Johnny lives in Port-au-Prince with his older sister. Their mother passed away when they were young, and they grew up in an orphanage.” Johnny is studying to be an engineer. In his spare time, he loves going to church—he attends almost every day. HCA explains, “When Johnny was about 12 years old, he contracted a rheumatic fever which severely damaged the mitral and aortic valves of his heart.” This condition makes Johnny constantly sick and unable to hold a job or further pursue his studies. Johnny has been living with heart disease for most of his life, but he recently found out that without a valve replacement he has months to live. In order to receive the surgery he needs, Johnny must go overseas. $1,500 will cover the cost of Johnny’s transport to, and stay, abroad to receive care. He will receive surgery to remove the damaged valves and replace them with artificial metal valves. Following surgery, HCA reports, “Johnny will have to take blood tests and medication for the rest of his life, but he should be able to lead a normal and healthy life.” Johnny shares, “I hope that God will bless everyone who has given me this chance, everyone has treated me like their own family and I am very grateful.”