Lemuel is a five-year-old boy from Kenya who has three siblings (twin siblings who are 10 years old and a younger sibling who is 2 years old). His mother sells detergent soap, and his father works as a cleaner. Together, they support their four children, but due to their limited income, the family has been unable to afford national health insurance and needs help raising funds to cover the cost of Lemuel's surgery. Lemuel began experiencing pain in his lower abdomen when he was three years old. At times, his testes would become swollen, a condition that caused his mother great concern. They rushed him to a nearby hospital, where tests revealed a buildup of fluid and the need for surgery. Unfortunately, that facility lacked the resources to provide the required care at the time. For the last two years, Lemuel has lived with persistent pain that is managed with pain medication. Then, in January 2026, Lemuel was brought to our medical partner's hospital, where he was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and advised to undergo hernia repair surgery to relieve the pain he is currently experiencing. Due to his condition, Lemuel has been in and out of school, struggling to attend classes consistently. Fortunately, on January 15th, Lemuel will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. This surgery will alleviate his pain, allow him to live more comfortably, and enable him to return to school and continue his education. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $585 to fund Lemuel's surgery. Lemuel says, "The pain comes and goes. Sometimes I feel it at school, and sometimes at home."

Thavreak is a two-year-old boy from Cambodia. Thavreak lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and is the only child in his family. His mother works in a garment factory, and his father is an electrician. Three months ago, Thavreak got into an accident while he was playing and put his hand into a running machine, causing him a right ring finger contracture. This makes it difficult for him to use his hand to hold objects, and he feels a little pain when someone touches it. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Thavreak receive treatment. On December 16th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help him use his hand more easily again. Now, he needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Thavreak's mother said, "After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to use his hand like other kids and have no more pain, so he can grow healthy and use his right hand when he attends school."

Kidus is an adorable one-year-old boy who lives with his parents and older sister in Ethiopia. He loves exploring his surroundings and playing with his toys, and has brought his parents immense joy. His mother is a dedicated house maker, while his father works as a daily laborer at a cereal sales company. Shortly after birth, Kidus was diagnosed with hypospadias, a birth condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Kidus's parents were advised that he would be eligible for surgery once he weighed 10 kilograms, but that he would be placed a long waiting list. It was very difficult for his parents to wait, not knowing how long it would be until he received help. Without treatment, Kidus would continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Kidus was referred to our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), where he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Kidus's mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. We hope for a healthy and happy child that brings joy to our family.”

Eang is an eight-year-old primary school student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who are rice farmers, and his younger brother, who is in kindergarten. Eang loves learning Khmer history in school, playing with friends in the village, and eating fried meat with vegetables. When he grows up, he hopes to become a police officer. For the past month, Eang has been experiencing difficulty breathing at night, loud snoring during sleep, and painful, difficult swallowing. His breathing and swallowing problems make it hard for him to sleep comfortably and eat without pain, which affects his daily energy and ability to focus well at school. Eang was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Eang. He will undergo this surgery on December 9th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Eang of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. His mother said, "After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to breathe and swallow, so he can grow healthy and focus more at school."

John is a nine-year-old boy and the oldest of two children from Kenya. John is currently in preparatory school. His father says he should have proceeded to Grade 1, but he refused because he wanted to remain with a teacher he really loved and admired. He enjoys going to school. His mother is a housewife, and his father does casual jobs mainly at construction sites. John’s parents recently noticed something different in a sensitive area of his body. They hoped it would resolve on its own until recently, when John began complaining of pain in the area. They brought him to our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital, where John was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, John has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. John will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 11th. AMHF is requesting $483 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. "My son is in pain and is no longer comfortable. I am afraid he may have problems in the future. Kindly assist so that he be free of pain and be able to live comfortably," John's mother said.

Banahair is a charming and friendly baby girl from Ethiopia. She easily connects with people of all ages. She loves playing with her dolls and creating games with her brother and sister. Although their home is modest, it is filled with laughter and love. Her mother, a devoted homemaker, and her father, a hardworking taxi driver, do their best to provide for and nurture their three children. From birth, Banahair has had an umbilical hernia, caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. When she was five months old, her parents noticed a small bulge near her navel and took her to a referral hospital. The doctors explained that she was underweight and advised them to return when she turned one year old for possible surgery. In the meantime, she began regular follow-up visits due to frequent vomiting and the gradual enlargement of the hernia. Banahair's mother was deeply worried and burdened with constant fear. She prayed daily for her daughter’s recovery, terrified each time Banahair fell ill—knowing that even a minor sickness could quickly become severe. Banahair’s fragile health and low weight filled her mother with anxiety. Banahair was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. On November 27th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $512 to fund Banahair's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Banahair's mother expressed her hopes, saying, "First and foremost, I wish for my child's successful surgery and swift return to her health. I trust that God will grant her complete recovery from surgery, and I wish she would grow to be both fearful and respectful of God. We are grateful for all we have received."

Biruk is a charming eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He and his two siblings are raised by their single mother, who works as a domestic cook, pushing herself to the limit every day to put food on the table and pay for schooling. She is now extremely worried because of the cost of her son's medical bills, and her small daily earnings, which she works so hard for, are quickly disappearing, swallowed by the cost of his treatment. Two years ago, Biruk came down with a fever and loss of appetite. He had a hard time breathing, caused by tonsillitis. If not treated, this will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Biruk, which is scheduled to take place on November 27th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, which should relieve Biruk of his symptoms and help him live more comfortably. Biruk's mother said, "Life itself is draining—even before the burden of medications and surgery. After two years of sleepless nights, all I want is his health and freedom."

Hadasha is a toddler from Haiti. She lives with her mother and older sister in a neighborhood of the capital; her mother is a vendor. Hadasha loves dressing up and making new friends. Hadasha has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Hadasha will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On November 24th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a device on the end of a catheter to plug the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $ 6,000 toward surgery costs. Hadasha's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. They need help to raise $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Hadasha's family overseas. Hadasha's mother says, "I have been very worried about my daughter's heart, so it is a blessing to know it will be fixed soon!"

Rasec is a kindergarten student from Bolivia. He loves to paint and play with toys. He lives in the western part of Bolivia with his mom and dad, who work selling items in a small store, and his younger sister. Rasec's mother took him to the doctor when she noticed he was frequently breathing heavily, and doctors discovered his heart problem. Rasec has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving him weak and short of breath. On November 12th, Rasec will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Rasec's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Rasec's mother shared, "I'm glad my son can have his heart surgery, so he can have a happy and healthy life!"

Chara is a cheerful two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing with toy cars and dreams of becoming a cattle farmer. He lives with his aunt after his parents separated. Despite the challenges, Chara’s father visits him daily at the home they once shared. The name Chara means “luck” in Afan Oromo, but his father often feels as though luck has never been on his side. When Chara turned one, his father noticed something different about his son. But due to financial constraints, he was unable to seek medical help. Lacking knowledge about the condition, he believed there was no available treatment and thought Chara’s situation was simply a result of bad luck. Four months later, during one of his visits to church, Chara's father heard a testimony from a boy's father about the successful treatment his own child had received. Inspired by this story, Chara’s father reached out to share that his child’s condition was similar and to ask about possible treatment options. He got offered hope and valuable information, helping facilitate access to medical services for Chara. Chara visited our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre, where he was diagnosed with hypospadias, a birth condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Chara is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 11th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Chara’s father said, "I will feel a great sense of relief and joy once the procedure is completed, knowing my child will be healthy again. I am truly grateful for the unwavering support and compassion."

Thant is a four-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his aunt, younger sister, and two cousins in Tak Province, Thailand. He was born in Thailand, but his parents are from Burma. He and his younger sister were looked after by their aunt while both his parents had left to work in Bangkok a few months ago. They send money to support Thant and his sister, as well as his aunt's family. Since he was four months old, Thant has had an inguinal hernia. Currently, his right scrotum is swelling, and if he plays, he feels pain. This also affects his sleep. He cannot play much with friends and cannot be active because if he does, he feels more pain. Fortunately, on August 27th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children's Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Thant's hernia repair surgery. Once completed, it will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Thant's aunt said, "I am sad that I cannot help him. I have to look after him and his sister, as well as my own kids, which is very difficult for me sometimes, and also perform my household chores. After he recovers, I will send him to school, but for now, due to the pain, he can't go to school yet."

Martiket is five-year-old preschooler from Ethiopia. He has a younger sister that he loves to play with, but playtime often gets interrupted by painful tonsils, that leave him weak and tired. His parents are low-income healthcare workers, who sometimes have to miss work to take care of Martiket. Martiket's symptoms started one year ago, with difficulty in swallowing, snoring, fever and loss of appetite. His condition makes it hard for him to play with his friends, and if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Martiket, which is scheduled to take place on September 14th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Martiket of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Martiket's parents say: "We hope that our son can thrive and be free from this constant illness. We wish for a future where he can run and play without pain and where we, as a family, can be free from our worries."