Two weeks after his birth, Twahla’s mother noticed that he had not yet passed stool. From the nearest hospital, his mother was advised to use glycerine to lubricate his opening and aid in passing stool. However at six months, the glycerine was no longer effective. They were advised to try another treatment and at seven months, they were referred to Watsi's Medical Partner Care Center BethanyKids Hospital where a biopsy was done. Doctors diagnosed Twahla with Hirschsprung's Disease. His doctors recommend a pull-through procedure to aid in passing stool normally. Twahla is the second born in a family of two children. His mother is a housewife while his father is a salesperson with a very limited income. The family lives in a two-room rental house in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. They had the national insurance health insurance coverage, but have exhausted their NHIF benefit kit and are not able to raise the additional funds needed. “Please help my son get through with this treatment,” shared Twahla’s mother.

Keith is a 12-year-old from Kenya. He is the first born child in a family of two, both of whom are students in grade three. They hail from Kaptul village which is known to be a rural area with less access to medical and social services. His parents are peasant farmers and they depend on seasonal farm products like mangoes and cassavas for commercial purpose. The money they get from those farm products is not enough to sustain the family for their daily needs. Therefore they depend on well-wishers for food and clothing when they don’t have farm products to sell. Four days ago, Keith fell from a high height and sustained trauma with injuries on right leg. A right tibia fracture was revealed by x-ray on his arrival to the hospital. Keith was looking after his grandmother’s cattle when he fell into a ditch. He is now in pain and cannot walk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 20th, Keith will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him heal well and be able to walk again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure. Keith’s mother says, “He is hardworking and he is liked by his grandmother for being honest and taking responsibility. He will be missed by his grandmother, who is wishing him quick recovery.”