Racheal is a one-year-old infant from Kenya. Her mother is a food vendor, and her father works as a motorbike rider. She has two older siblings, who are three years old and five years old. Racheal was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine does not form properly. As she was born at a clinic, her family was referred to a larger health center for further care, but could not immediately arrange transportation. At three weeks of age, Racheal's head began to enlarge. This occurs as a complication of spina bifida when fluid accumulates in the brain. At one month old, Racheal was able to undergo surgery to repair her spine, and a shunt was inserted to help drain the excess fluid. The shunt malfunctioned in December 2025, but doctors were able to manage the malfunction and her recovery continued. During a clinic visit in February 2026 however, it was discovered that Racheal’s head was enlarging and her eyesight was deteriorating. She now requires another surgery, which her parent's health insurance does not cover. Thankfully, Racheal was referred to our medical partner's care center. Racheal has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Racheal has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Racheal will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Racheal that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 6th and will drain the excess fluid from Racheal's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Racheal will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Racheal’s mother says, “Her head is very heavy, which has made it difficult for her to develop and sit on her own.”

Sendeka is an 11-month-old baby boy from Tanzania, and the third child in a family of four children. His parents work hard to support the household, with his mother caring for the home while his father manages livestock. Sendeka was a healthy baby until one tragic evening, when he awoke and accidentally fell into a fire while his mother was outside doing chores. He suffered a severe burn on his left knee. His parents rushed him to hospital, where he was treated for the open wound for nearly a month. Sendeka was left with a tight and painful contracture that prevents him from standing upright or walking normally. His condition has placed emotional and financial strain on the family, who worry constantly about his future. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Sendeka receive treatment. On December 3rd, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to restore mobility. Now, Sendeka's family needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Sendeka's mother says, "I wish to see my son walk freely and eventually join school just like his older brothers."

Derick is a six-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is an active child who enjoys playing with other children. He was brought by his mother for further care after developing severe stiffness and weakness in his arm following treatment for a fracture. Derick fell while playing and broke his arm. He was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery. However, after the implant removal, his arm gradually became stiff and less responsive, making it difficult for him to use his hand normally. His arm condition now limits his ability to hold objects, feed himself properly, and participate in play and early learning activities. His mother has been deeply concerned seeing his independence reduce over time. The family has continued to seek help, hoping he can regain proper function. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Derick receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons at their care center will perform a contracture release surgery to improve the movement and function of his arm and hand. With timely care and rehabilitation support, he has a strong chance to recover useful function and return to normal childhood activities. Now, he needs help to fund this $717 procedure. Derick's mother says, “He cannot use his hand well anymore; even holding simple things is hard. It is my desire for him to use his arm again like before.”

Spencer is a 17-month-old boy from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He lives with his father, who is an electrician; his mother, who is a retail cashier; and one older sister. He enjoys playing with his sister and listening to music. Spencer has a cardiac condition called double outlet right ventricle. One of his major blood vessels attaches to his heart in an anatomically abnormal location, which prevents blood from flowing normally through his body. Without treatment, this condition leads to heart failure. Spencer will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 4th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will detach and reattach the blood vessel to the proper position relative to his heart. Another organization is covering Spencer's surgery, but his family needs support to fund travel costs and related care. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $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 Spencer's family overseas. Spencer's mother shares, "Our family is so grateful that our son can have this chance to have his heart fixed, and we hope everything goes well!"

Queentah is 21 years old and the oldest among three siblings. Her mother is a door-to-door hairdresser and her father is a farmer. Queentah cannot speak a full sentence, relying mainly on sign language to communicate. When she was just four years old, her mother noticed that Queentah could not speak. They could not afford the necessary tests, so they were not able to seek medical advice. As Queentah grew older, the barriers only grew more prominent. Her school years were filled with rejection, as teachers deemed her “slow” for struggling to understand and keep up with the lessons. She was moved from one school to another, but no place seemed to offer her the support she desperately needed. Finally, after years of searching, Queentah was enrolled in a special school for the deaf, where she was introduced to sign language. Despite the setbacks, Queentah had a passion for becoming a chef. However, her hearing challenges continued to hold her back. Struggling academically, she could not secure the scholarship or funding she needed to pursue her dreams of culinary school, as her mother’s limited means could not provide for her education. In 2024, Queentah joined the National Youth Service and was assigned to work as a security officer. As she went through the training program, the limitations of her hearing became more pronounced. She could not complete the required training. In February 2025, Queentah was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where she was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Queentah is scheduled to receive hearing aids on March 14th. She needs help raising the $1,171 in funds. Queentah's mother humbly requests support, hoping that with the hearing aids, Queentah’s life can change so she can hear, learn, grow, and ultimately build the future she has always dreamed of. Queentah's mother says, "It has been incredibly difficult for my daughter to have a social life. She often feels isolated and left out, as it's hard for her to find people who understand sign language."

John is a curious and energetic 23-month-old from Tanzania. He's always on the move, constantly exploring his surroundings. It's a challenge to keep him seated for more than a minute. John is the only child of his parents and the center of their world. His father, who works in rice farming, and his mother are committed to ensuring John gets the care he needs, even as they juggle limited income. John has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, John's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on July 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund John's clubfoot repair. After treatment, John's parents hope for the day when their son will be able to grow up to run freely and enjoy playing. John's mother said, "I hope my boy will be able to walk and be independent as he grows older."