Brian is a 22-month-old boy who lives with his large family in Kenya. His mother is a housewife and his father works as a pastoralist, tending to a herd of eight cows to support the family. "Brian has had episodes of a recurring cough since he was born, causing a part of his right groin to swell more and more with each cough,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Brian's swelling is associated with a right inguinal hernia, which is a bulge of soft tissue that protrudes through a weak part of the abdominal wall into the groin region. “If Brian is not treated, his condition can result in strangulation where blood supply to the tissues is restricted. He will keep experiencing intense pain,” reports AMHF. For $430, Brian will receive surgery to remedy the defect in his abdominal wall. “His treatment will eliminate pain and the pressure symptoms,” shares AMHF. “If only I had the means to make my son’s surgical care possible…” says Brian’s mother. “When I see him groan in pain when the swell comes up it breaks my heart knowing at the moment there is nothing I can do.” Fortunately, we can help Brian's mother afford treatment for her son, allowing him the chance to get healthy.

Meet Jean Willio, a 17-month-old boy who lives in Haiti with his parents and seven older siblings. Jean Willio's two favorite pastimes are playing with his older siblings and enjoying music. His parents are both farmers. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA) shares, "Jean Willio was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole in the heart which normally closes shortly after birth, remains open." As a result of his heart condition, "blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen." Without treatment, Jean Willio will remain sickly and weak. Jean Willio's family cannot afford the $1,500 surgery he needs to restore blood flow to his heart. Fortunately, we can help. After the surgery, "he should not have any further cardiac symptoms," says HCA. "We have made many trips to the hospital with our son," Jean Willio's father shares. "We are very happy his heart can be fixed so we don't have to do that anymore."