Joseph is a two-year-old boy and the youngest child in a family of four children. The family lives in a small timber house and his father sells vegetables to provide for the family. His mother often does laundry work for their neighbors, however, sometimes work is difficult to find and she works on neighbors' farms to supplement the family's income. Joseph was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended after birth. If not treated, Joseph will have an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Fortunately, Joseph will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on July 5th and now, AMH is requesting $569 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Joseph’s father shared, “since we visited the last facility, I have never had peace in my heart after the doctor told us what will happen if the testes did not descend and he was not treated. Now, I’m more troubled that I cannot do anything for his surgery as we cannot raise any amount close to what is required. I really need support for my child's surgery."

Marher is an adorable and smart 22-month-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves to run and play outdoor games. Marher is the only child in his family, and he loves talking with others. His dad is a construction worker but is currently not working since the termination of the project due to Covid-19 and hyperinflation of construction materials. His mom is a cook and the breadwinner of the family as of now. Her income is limited to sustain their family needs. They live in a rented house which makes their living conditions expensive, and so they often depend on support from friends and family. Marher was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, Marher is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 14th, 2021. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMH), is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. His dad said, “Marher will be happy if he receives the surgery and recovers to live like any other boy. He will not be psychologically affected by his condition as he grows up. I hope he will be educated and lead a quality life.”

Besigye is a 51-year-old farmer and a married mother of three children. She and her husband are small scale farmers. Their oldest child is 30 years old and married, while their youngest is 18 years old and in secondary school class six. They work hard to have paid for school fees for their children through their farming, and they own a three-room semi-permanent house. Nearly 20 years ago, Besigye began experiencing troubling symptoms, including neck swelling, airway obstruction and mild headaches. She was diagnosed with an enlarged goiter, or enlarged thyroid. She visited our medical partner's care center where surgery was recommended to treat her condition and to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Besigye receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 6 at AMH's care center where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. The procedure will cost $293, and she and her family need help raising money. Besigye shared, “I pray that I may be considered for treatment. I am not able to carry luggage with ease and am having airway obstruction. I hope to resume farming as soon as possible.”

Oudom is a 33-year-old man who works in a printing shop in Cambodia's capital city of Phnom Penh. He lives nearby with his retired parents. In his free time, Oudom enjoys playing chess and gardening. Five years ago, Oudom had an ear infection that caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his left ear to perforate. Because of this, Oudom experiences tinnitus, ear discharge, and hearing loss. He cannot communicate clearly with others. Oudom traveled to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), to receive treatment. On July 5tg, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Now, Oudom needs $464 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Oudom shared, "I hope the discharge will finally stop and my hearing can improve."

Hilowie is a social 13-year-old girl, and she is the fourth born in a family of five children. Hilowie is a sixth grade student and likes to read storybooks. Her favorite subjects are English and Kiswahili. Her mother is a businesswoman who has a small shop which she operates in the village, and her father passed away 12 years ago when Hilowie was very young. Hilowie suffered burns when she was only four months old in a house fire. She sustained joint injuries known as contractures on her left hand, and until today the contractures have never improved. Currently, she cannot raise her hand or work at home, and this has greatly affected her studies. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Hilowie receive treatment. On June 28th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery so Hilowie will be able to use her hand, help around the house, and concentrate on her studies. Now, her family needs help to fund this $840 procedure. “I would love my hand to be straightened so that I can continue with my studies and as well help my mother at home,” Hilowie told us.