Nine-year-old Gerald is a bundle of energy. He loves to be outdoors, play soccer, and be the leader within his friend group. Born in Tanzania, Gerald is the youngest of four siblings, and the son of small scale farmers who struggle to provide basic needs for their children. Gerald was born with a congenital deformity of his left foot, and can only walk by using the lateral aspect of his foot. Despite his affected gait, he still loves to run and be active. However, if his condition is not treated soon, he will likely develop early osteoarthritis. For $1,160 Gerald can receive treatment on his foot, and be able to walk normally again. "Gerald will have a better gait, he will be able to walk and run faster, and he will have a decreased risk of developing early osteoarthritis," says our medical partner in Tanzania. Gerald is inspired by his grandfather, a craftsman, and hopes to one day follow in his footsteps. "I would make beautiful doors, windows, stools, tables and chairs," says Gerald. Let's make sure Gerald can receive treatment, stay healthy, and one day follow his dreams to be a craftsman.

Silienne is a mother of six, who lives in the Haitian countryside where her husband is a small-scale farmer. "Silienne started noticing that her breast was changing shape and was getting smaller than the normal size, like her breast tissue was getting dehydrated. Then she decided to go see a physician very soon in her locality. When she went there, she was transferred to Port-Au-Prince very fast and she came to our hospital, as she heard that we have cancer treatment programs," shares our partner Project Medishare. "Silienne explains that her breast is very painful and itches much. She cannot sleep enough at night and she is always thinking about what can happen if she doesn't receive appropriate treatments." The doctors have diagnosed Silienne with breast cancer. They say, "Silienne needs surgical intervention to remove the affected breast that can cause the invasion of the cancer to to rest of her body. After the surgery, she will have to come back to the hospital after 30 days in order to complete the treatment; she will receive several chemotherapy sessions.The treatment will save her life and she will be able to go back her activities, but with some restrictions." Surgery is planned in September, and chemotherapy in October. The total cost of the life-saving treatment is $1500.

Meet Catherine! Catherine is a 50-year-old mother of four and grandmother of five from Kenya. Catherine raised her children alone after her husband passed away 15 years ago. Her eldest daughter is a housekeeper, her other two daughters are casual laborers on farms, and her only son is still living at home and fully dependent on Catherine. Three months ago, Catherine began experiencing severe abdominal pain and bleeding, making it difficult for her to continue supporting her family. Doctors diagnosed her with uterine fibroids, benign tumors in her uterus. "I want to live a healthy life even as I age," Catherine says. Since then, Catherine's children have come together and raised $250 for a surgery that can get their mom through this challenge. For $635 on our part, Catherine will receive a hysterectomy, a procedure that will remove her uterus and relieve her of severe abdominal pain. Let's help ensure Catherine has many more years of health with her family!

19-month-old Junior from Tanzania was born with a congenital condition that makes him unable to pass stool properly. Because of this, a new opening was constructed in Junior's abdomen to allow for a colostomy bag. Typically this bag, which collects stool from the intestines, can be used safely as a collection receptacle, but Junior's parents are unable to afford the recurring costs of replacing the bags. He needs a permanent solution. If Junior is not treated soon, he could be at risk of a serious infection. For $1,400, we can fund surgery to permanently treat Junior's condition so he will be able to pass stool normally and lead a healthy and dignified life.