Meet Mariano, a 60-year-old father of eight living in Guatemala with his wife. Mariano used to work as a health promoter in his rural farming community, until his condition worsened and kept him from working. Mariano has severe diabetes, a long-term condition characterized by high blood sugar. This high blood sugar results from two possible sources - either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body doesn’t properly respond to insulin. “Because of severe diabetes-related symptoms, blurred vision, fatigue and dizziness, [Mariano] has been unable to work,” our medical partners at Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) explain. “He’s had three hospitalizations for severe high blood glucose in the last few months. He can’t afford the medicine, and without urgent intervention he is in danger of dying from this condition.” “I want to feel well, I want to spend time with my family, I want to watch my grandchildren grow up,” Mariano tells us. For $450, we can fund the treatment Mariano needs for his acute diabetes. His doctors at WK expect that the treatment will result in “resolved severe high blood sugars, prevention of hospitalization and death, [and the] ability to spend time with his family.” Let’s come together to make this happen for Mariano!

Lekishon is a huge fan of science and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. He is the first born of five children and his passion for learning has made him a role model for his younger siblings. Lekishon has completed his primary education and was eagerly looking forward to continue with his secondary education. However, one day while Lekishon was herding his father’s cattle, he was chased down by a buffalo that crushed the bones in his legs. He needs surgery to fashion his femoral stump (mid-thigh amputation) so he can be fitted for a prosthesis which will help him walk again. Lekishon’s parents own a small herd of cattle and cannot come up with the $800 needed to pay for their son’s operation and prosthesis. Let’s help this family out so Lekishon can continue his education and fulfill his dreams of giving back to others!

Meet Bernie, a 40-year-old man from the Phillipines. Bernie is a husband, father of three, and a Christian minister. In April of 2011 he dislocated his knee in a motorbike accident. For over two years, Bernie has been in constant pain, making him dependent on his family to help him with daily activities. Bernie is described as a “comedian” who loves basketball and playing the guitar. Needless to say, he is excited to get better, “It means so much to me because I am very dependent on my family. I am looking forward to being able to be in ministry again.” For $955 Bernie can receive an internal reduction and external fixation of his knee. Let's help Bernie get back on his feet and on the basketball court!