Kyaw Myat is a five-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his family in a village in Sagaing Division. Kyaw Myat’s father is a subsistence farmer and sometimes he also works as a day laborer on other villagers’ farms. His mother is a homemaker and takes care of Kyaw Myat’s brother at home. Kyaw Myat received a shunt, throught the help of Watsi, for his hydrocephalus. Because he was also diagnosed with an abnormal growth in his head, and the mass is putting pressure on an artery in his head, it affected his ability to walk properly. Currently, Kyaw Myat cannot walk properly and sometimes, he complains that he has a headache and watery eyes. Doctors want Kyaw Myat to undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $469 to cover the cost of Kyaw Myat's CT scan and care, scheduled for August 23. Kyaw Myat father said, "I was told that they want a CT scan to check my son's condition. I am very worried because they just asked for it before surgery and I am afraid there might be a bad outcome."

Businge is a farmer from Uganda. He is married and a father of ten children. Businge and his wife cultivate food for home consumption and sell the surplus. For the past two years, Businge has had an inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him pain, especially after working. If not treated, it may result in intestinal tissue damage and strangulation. Fortunately, on June 13, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Businge's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He says, "After surgery I will continue with farming."

Mirriam is a baby from Kenya. Her father is a motorcycle taxi operator, while her mother practices small-scale farming. The family is from a small village in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. Mirriam has been diagnosed with encephalocoele, a type of neural tube defect in which brain tissues and overlying membranes protrude through openings in the skull. Encephalocoele usually results from a failure of the neural tube to completely close during fetal development. Without treatment, Mirriam is at risk of developmental delays, brain damage, or premature death. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $929 to fund encephalocoele repair surgery for Mirriam. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 26. Hopefully, the repair of this condition will allow Mirriam to grow up healthy.

Kevin is a one year old boy from Guatemala. He enjoys chowing down on watermelon and playing with his little brother. Kevin's mother takes care of household matters, and Kevin's father works in construction. Kevin is experiencing symptoms of malnutrition, a dangerous condition that results from consuming too few calories and nutrients. In the short term, this means that Kevin has little energy to grow, and he also gets sick more often than other children. The long-term consequences of malnutrition include increased risk of chronic diseases and delayed development. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is asking for $492 to fund treatment for Kevin. On June 22, Kevin will begin routine growth monitoring and nutrient supplementation. Local health workers will also teach Kevin’s mother about nutrition. These interventions will ensure Kevin grows up strong and healthy. Kevin´s mother says, “I am thankful with the program and the donors for the support they will give. It will be very helpful for my child's growth."

Reynatris is a four-year-old girl. She was diagnosed with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus at birth. A hole in her heart, which normally closes shortly after birth, remained open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her sick and weak. Reynatris lives in eastern Dominican Republic with her mother, grandmother, and one younger sister. She loves to play dolls with her sister. Although Reynatris is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. She will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center. First, Reynatris will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 15. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Reynatris also covers the cost of medications and social support for her and her family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Reynatris's surgical care. Reynatris's mother says, "I never thought it would be possible for Reynatris to have surgery. This is like a dream come true for our family."

Judith is a three-month-old girl from Tanzania. When she was born, her mother noticed that she was experiencing digestive and excretory dysfunction. She was taken to a hospital, where she was referred to our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, for treatment. Judith was diagnosed with anorectal malformations. In other words, the end of her digestive tract did not develop properly. Without treatment, she is at risk of infection, pain, discomfort, and possible obstruction. Fortunately, she is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 9, supported by our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Judith's mother is unable to pay for the treatment. She needs help to raise $1,500.