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."

Sebit is an 11-year-old student from South Sudan. His father is a fisherman, and his mother is currently unemployed. Living in a remote region of South Sudan, the family is located far from specialized medical care. In September 2021, Sebit fell from a tree while playing with his friends. He landed chin-first and injured his mouth, biting through his lower lip and bleeding heavily. At first, he did not seem to be in pain, but about a month later, both sides of his cheeks began to swell. From that point on, Sebit could no longer open his mouth well. Simple activities such as talking, laughing, and eating became extremely difficult. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a jaw fracture and recommended surgery. However, due to the complexity of the procedure, the surgery could not be performed at local facilities. Sebit was given pain medication and sent home. For the past five years, Sebit has lived in this condition. He speaks in low tones, eats slowly in very small portions, and avoids sleeping on either side of his face because of the discomfort. The swelling in his cheeks comes and goes, often leaving him in pain and distress. Sebit slowly adapted to this painful new reality, uncertain whether his condition was improving or worsening with time. Hope finally arrived when a well-wisher learned about Sebit’s condition and referred the family to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. This meant the family had to travel from South Sudan to Kenya for treatment, and the well-wisher helped cover the cost of their journey. After undergoing scans at our hospital, doctors discovered that Sebit’s jaws had fused and locked together, preventing him from opening his mouth. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On May 14th, Sebit will undergo a mandible reconstruction surgery to restore movement to his jaw and help him eat, speak, and live healthier again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Sebit says, “Whenever I try to open my mouth, I feel pain. I have to eat very slowly and only in small portions.”

Surjeet is a 26-year-old man from India. He drives an electric auto rickshaw as a daily wage earner. When Surjeet was four years old, he sustained burns while sitting around a bonfire during winter. For around two months, he was treated at home by a nurse working at a government hospital. Twelve years ago, Surjeet, who lives in Bihar, travelled over 300 kilometers to visit our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, for specialized care. He had extensive post-burn contractures or tightening of the skin around the neck, arms, hands, and lower lip. He has undergone two surgeries for the release of his neck and left axillary contractures. Surjeet needs another surgery to help him regain strength and mobility in his right wrist and hand. On April 16th, he will undergo burn contracture release surgery, and he needs help raising $1,442 to fund his treatment and care. Surjeet has high hopes that this surgery will help him regain the function of his right hand. Surjeet's father shared, "With the help of G S Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital, I hope that my son will be able to study further with the promise of a better future after this surgery."

Brielle is a two-year-old girl from Kenya. She was born prematurely, with significant medical issues. Not too long after she was born, doctors discovered that the passages for stool and urine had not fully formed. While she was in the hospital, having undergone a colostomy, Brielle's father walked away from his wife and child because he felt ashamed of what was happening with his daughter. He said that he had never seen such a condition in his family. Brielle's mother stayed by her daughter's side as she underwent a total of four surgeries. Each recovery brought complications, and each setback tested her faith. A colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall, is often performed to bypass bowel malformations. But colostomies are usually temporary, and may call for closure. In Brielle's case, her colostomy requires closure to restore bowel function and to prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Brielle. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 12th at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, and once it is completed, Brielle should be able to move on to the next phase of her life. “Some days, I do not understand why my daughter has had to fight battles she never asked for, but I know one thing for certain. As long as I have breath, she will never fight alone. I may not have money, I may not have support, but I have a mother’s love, and that is what keeps me standing beside her every single day.” Brielle’s mother narrates.

Chakriya is a 39-year-old man from Takaeo province, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and two children. His oldest child is in kindergarten, and his youngest child is two years old. His wife stays at home to look after the children and manage household tasks. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home and listening to music. For the past 14 years, Chakriya has been living with ankylosing spondylitis - a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine, causing back pain, stiffness, and inflammation, especially the base of the spine and pelvis. Around one year ago, Chakriya began experiencing pain in his right hip, which has caused difficulty walking and limited his ability to perform daily tasks independently. He had previously undergone a total hip arthroplasty on his left hip in 2014 with the help of our medical partner. Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Chakriya decided to travel back to CSC for treatment on his right hip. On January 16th, he will undergo a hip replacement procedure, which will cost $1500, including surgery and post-op care. Chakriya and his family can contribute $50, and need support for the remaining cost. Surgeons will operate on his right hip to relieve pain and improve mobility, allowing him to move comfortably and return to work. Chakriya said, "After the surgery, I hope that I will be able to walk easily and no longer have hip pain, so I can do my job properly."

Lia is a young student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who is a truck driver, and her two younger siblings. Lia's mom noticed that her daughter had a constant headache, body aches, and dizziness. She took Lia to the doctor, which led to her being diagnosed with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Lia's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On December 16th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Lia's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Lia's mother shared, "I just hope my daughter has good health after the surgery, and stops being sick so often."

Chorb is 76 years old and a doting grandmother from Cambodia. Five months ago, after her husband passed away, Chorb moved in with her eldest child. She has four other children and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. For the past four months, Chorb has suffered from hip pain that prevents her from walking. Because of this, she cannot move around freely or visit the pagoda, which was part of her daily routine. She worries about losing her independence and being limited in her activities. Chorb was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), by a friend from her village. On November 11th, Chorb will undergo a hip replacement procedure on her left hip. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $1,400 more to fund her procedure and care. After surgery, Chorb hopes to regain mobility, to be free from hip pain, and to return to visiting the pagoda independently. Chorb said: “After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have hip pain, and I can walk on my own."

Roy is a baby boy from Bolivia. He lives with his mother, who works on a farm, two older brothers, and an older sister. His mom noticed he used to cry a lot, and he was tired when breastfeeding, so she took him to a doctor who discovered his heart problem. Roy has a cardiac condition called the Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several related conditions, including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. This prevents Roy's body from getting enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On October 15th, Roy will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, Surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart and remove the muscular blockage from the valve. Roy's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Roy's mother shared, "I just want the best for my child. Thankfully, his surgery will be soon and then we can go back home with him!"