Abigael is a joyful and smiley three-year-old and the last born in her family of four children. As her mother left for Saudi Arabia in search of a better job, Abigael’s father cares for her and her siblings. He shared that his work as a laborer means he cannot financially support four children, so Abigael’s grandparents care for her and one of her older siblings. Abigael’s grandfather was employed as a butcher but recently lost his job. Abigael has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result, Abigael has been experiencing frequent headaches and stomach aches since she was one year old. Her grandparents took her to different hospitals, but nothing helped relieve her pain. A friend referred them to another hospital, and her family raised funds for her assessment. After some scans, doctors diagnosed her condition as hydrocephalus. Without treatment, Abigael will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Abigael finally heal. On January 13th, surgeons will drain the excess fluid from Abigael’s brain to reduce the intracranial pressure. This procedure will ​significantly improve her quality of life and help her develop into a strong, healthy young girl. AMH is requesting $720 to cover the cost of her surgery. Abigael’s grandmother shared, “We did not know that her condition was this serious, and we do not have funds to cater for her surgery.”

Jane is a strong 34-year-old woman from Zambezi in Kiambu County. She is married with 3 children. Jane began having abdominal pains and vomiting about four years ago. She visited various hospitals and was treated for ulcers but her symptoms persisted. At one point she was told she had an issue with her liver and was sent to a specialist. Jane had extensive lab tests done and several scans which showed she has cholelithiasis or gallstones. These are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. She came to Nazareth Hospital and consulted the surgeon who recommended laparotomy to finally remove the gallstones. Jane’s husband, who runs a small shop to fend for his family, has registered with the national health insurance program but their coverage has not yet been approved. On seeing his wife’s worsening pain and discomfort he decided he couldn’t wait any longer and came to the hospital to find out about the estimated cost of surgery so that he can organize a community fundraiser (Harambee). The family members are not able to raise the money required on their own and need support. Jane says, “I hope to be treated and get relieved of these symptoms so that my family can stop being in a constant state of worry and uncertainty.”

Andrew is a 6-year-old child and currently a student in junior class. He is the last born in a family of three with siblings who are 10 and 7 years old and in primary school. Andrew's parents are small-scale farmers and own a three-room mud house for shelter. They work hard to make ends meet for their family. For six months, Andrew has had a left hydrocele. This developed as an on and off swelling. He was taken to Kabale Referral Hospital and was given medication but without much change. Currently, he has severe pain and develops a persistent cough along with his swelling. His father shared that he cries a lot when the swelling is active. Now doctors at Rushoroza Hospital have recommended surgery, a cost his parents cannot afford. If not treated, the fluid collection may increase with time causing discomfort, impaired quality of life and a risk of infection. Fortunately, on December 14th, Andrew will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $170 to fund Andrew's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently as he grows up. Andrew's father says, “I pray that my son gets well and normal through surgery. I hope that we get supported because my family cannot afford the surgery. I will continue with farming to be able to sustain my family.”

Leang is a 48-year-old traveling coconut seller. He is married and has one son and one daughter. Both of his children are in school. When he's not traveling, he enjoys watching boxing on television. Three years ago, Leang developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty driving. When Leang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Leang shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see clearly. I can sell coconuts again to earn money for my family."