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.”

Saret is a 70-year-old widow from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. She is a retired rice farmer with three daughters, two sons, and 11 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter and her grandson, who attends a local primary school. At home, Saret helps with cooking, cleaning, caring for her grandson, and enjoys visits from her family members. Approximately one year ago, Saret developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Saret learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Saret and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. She says, "I hope that after surgery I will be able to recognize people more easily, and I can help my daughter more around the house."

Naw Paw is a 55-year-old woman from Burma. She has been living in the refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand, with her husband, her son, her daughter, and her grandson for more than 20 years. Naw Paw is primarily a homemaker. Together with her son, she assists in growing and selling vegetables and produce from their garden. Her daughter is also a homemaker and cares for Naw Paw’s grandson, while her husband volunteers at the camp church. The family’s limited income from vegetable growing allows them to cover only basic daily living expenses. In her free time, Naw Paw enjoys playing with her grandson, tending to the garden and speaking with neighbours. Watching her plants grow brings her happiness. However, ongoing health issues and financial uncertainty have caused her significant stress. In June 2025, Naw Paw reported lower back pain and pain in her right lower abdomen. An ultrasound was performed, which revealed gallstones. Naw Paw has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Naw Paw's symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Naw Paw is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on January 12th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Naw Paw's procedure and care. Naw Paw shared, “I am always worrying about where I can find more money, especially with my health problems. I feel very relieved and thankful to receive support from the donors during this time.”

Doreen is a 31-year-old mother of two from Uganda. She and her husband are small-scale farmers, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling part of the harvest to earn income and support their household. During her free time, Doreen enjoys cooking for her family. She is currently expecting her third child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Doreen undergo a C-Section on December 4th. This procedure will cost $252, and Doreen needs your support. Doreen says, “Without your support, I have no way of raising the money needed. I kindly request your help to make my surgery possible.”

Yonas is a quiet and shy 10-year-old from Ethiopia who loves playing football, making handmade crafts, and helping his mother around the house. Yonas lives with his parents and his youngest cousin. His mother is a teacher at a government school, and his father is a security guard at a bank, though he will be stopping work this month. Together, his parents work hard to support the family and meet their basic needs. Most of their income is spent on food, making it challenging to afford medical bills and medication. Yonas was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His mother was unable to find a health center to address his needs and was advised by relatives to leave the condition as it was. However, when Yonas was four years old, another relative noticed the condition and informed his mother that the symptoms were unusual. Distressed for her son and fearful of the stigma associated with this condition, she felt overwhelmed and hopeless. After moving to Addis Ababa, Yonas's mother took him to a hospital, where they were referred to a pediatric specialty hospital. The doctor reassured her that surgical intervention could correct the condition, which gave her hope; however, they were also informed that there was a waiting list for the surgery. Yonas's mother continued to worry whenever he fell ill, fearing it might be related to his condition. After waiting five months, she finally received a call from the referral hospital informing her that Yonas had been referred to our medical partner's hospital, BKMCM Hospital. Fortunately, Yonas will undergo corrective surgery on January 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Yonas's mom said, "I wish my child could be as healthy as other children and safely complete his surgery. I long for the day when we can put this ordeal behind us."

Divyana is a cheerful eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and spending time with his friends and younger brother. He lives in Sekota, and they travelled approximately 870 kilometers to seek treatment, a journey that took three days. His mother is a dedicated housewife, while his father works as an agricultural officer in a government institution. Together, his parents work hard to support their family and meet their children’s needs. Divyana's mother discovered his condition at birth and was immediately overwhelmed with frustration and panic. Questions raced through her mind, she says, “What is wrong with him? Is it my fault? How can I help my child?” Fear and stress consumed her, but her instinct to protect him never wavered. She began seeking information about his condition, choosing not to share too much with him to safeguard his emotional well-being. To prevent potential teasing or stigma, she instructed him to isolate himself whenever he went to the bathroom, warning him that other children might ridicule him if they saw him. She repeated this often, worried about how his condition might affect his social life and learning, especially since hypospadias is uncommon in their community. Divyana frequently compared himself to his younger brother and asked his mother why he was different. These moments left her feeling helpless, with no answers, only tears. One day, while visiting a relative in Addis Ababa who was undergoing orthopedic treatment, Divyana ’s mother heard about several successful cases being treated at the facility. Curious and hopeful, she began asking questions, but without revealing her son’s condition. Eventually, she received the contact information for the field patient coordinator at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. Doctors confirmed that Divyana was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Divyana is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Divyana's mother said, "I wish my child were very healthy, and I am thrilled to get this opportunity."

Yeabsir is a cheerful and sociable 20-month-old boy who lives with his parents and older brother in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He enjoys watching children's music and movies. His mother is a dedicated homemaker, while his father works as an electrician, and together they strive to nurture and support their family. Yeabsir’s condition came to light when he was one year old. While changing his diaper, his aunt noticed that his testicle was absent. His mother immediately took him to a health center, where he was evaluated and referred to specialized hospital. Unfortunately, Yeabsir faced an eight-month wait for the surgery due to the long waiting list for pediatric procedures. His mother has became increasingly distressed during the wait, especially as she learned about possible future complications of the condition. Frequent visits to the hospital became routine, driven by her determination to ensure her son received the care he needed. Fortunately, through a partnership between the referral hospital and our medical partner, Yeabsir’s family was offered the opportunity to receive treatment at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. Upon receiving the call with this news, his mother felt a surge of relief. After arriving at the hospital, Yeabsir underwent comprehensive evaluations provided by the staff. Yeabsir was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Yeabsir has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Yeabsir will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 4th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Yeabsir's mother said "I want to thank you for the opportunity the organization provided for my child, and I wish the best for him."

Tafach is active and cheerful six-month-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives with his parents and his older brother. His mother works as a daily laborer, washing clothes and fetching water for neighbors, while his father farms on other people’s land. Despite their hard work, they often struggle to provide for their family, facing frequent food shortages and relying on the kindness of neighbors for support. Tafach's mother first noticed something was wrong when Tafach was only four days old. He began vomiting and was unable to pass stool, prompting his concerned parents to take him to a nearby hospital. Tafach was diagnosed with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. Tafach’s mother was devastated and broke down in tears, as the family had never encountered such a condition before. However, the doctor reassured them that Tafach’s condition could be corrected through a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction and promptly referred them to a larger public hospital. At the referral hospital, Tafach underwent a colostomy to help create a temporary route for his bowel movements, and the family was given a follow-up appointment. They returned home feeling hopeful yet anxious. A few days later, a neighbor informed them about our medical partner's care center, Bethany Kids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Tafach’s parents reached out and took him to BKMCM for further evaluation. Tafach is now scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on January 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Tafach's procedure and care. After his recovery, Tafach will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Tafach's mother expressed hope, saying, "I pray for my child's surgery to be safe and successful, envisioning him thriving like his older brother. I aspire for him to become a dedicated student and a remarkable individual."

Kyarimpa is a 30-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband have two children, both in lower primary school. To support their family, Kyarimpa and her husband farm, but they often rely on casual labor in other people’s farms to earn quick income. Growing up, Kyarimpa's dream was to become a teacher, but this ambition was cut short when she had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties. Despite this, she now works very hard to ensure that her children receive an education and have a better life than she did. Kyarimpa is currently expecting her fourth child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Kyarimpa undergo a C-Section on January 8th. This procedure will cost $252, and Kyarimpa needs your support. Kyarimpa says, “My worry was only about paying my hospital bill, but with your support, I hope for a successful surgery. I kindly appeal for your support.”

Dhaba is A 60-year-old farmer from Ethiopia. He has spent his life caring for his farm and his big family of seven children. Every day, he works under the warm sun—digging, pruning, and harvesting—with a heart full of joy for the plants he nurtures. Two years ago, Dhaba developed a cataract in his eye, a condition that causes a clouding of the lens of the eye and blurred vision. He underwent cataract surgery at a local hospital, and for a year and a half, the world bloomed before his eyes in vivid clarity. However, about five months ago, that light began to fade again, and he began experiencing fading eyesight and blurred vision in his second eye. Years ago, Dhaba had left his hometown to escape the war and started a new life in the city. His friendly smile makes everyone feel welcome. But now, things are blurry and unclear. His favorite plants look fuzzy, seed packets are confusing, and his tools feel strange in his hands. The farm that once made him happy and gave his life meaning has become hard to care for. It’s a quiet reminder of the life he used to love. Fortunately, Dhaba is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. On November 1st, surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Dhaba needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. He says: "I hope this surgery helps me see clearly again so that I can tend to my farm, and keep working to support my family."

55-year-old Bernie is a hardworking custodian, who also repairs appliances to support his family. His wife Meraflor occasionally launders clothes to supplement their income. The family lives with their two sons in the Philippines. Two months ago, Bernie began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe stomach pain and difficulty breathing. He underwent surgery in September, but is presently still experiencing jaundice, which propelled him to seek a second medical opinion. After the consultation, he was advised to have his gallbladder removed. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen, and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. Frequent trips to the hospital for consultations, lab tests, and surgery have taken a significant toll on Bernie's family. Meraflor has been struggling with depression during this difficult time, while their eldest child has found it hard to concentrate on job applications because of his caregiving duties. Meanwhile, their younger son has put his education on hold to help take care of Bernie. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Bernie receive treatment. On October 18th, he is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being funded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128, to cover the cost of Bernie's surgery and care. Bernie says: "The possibility of supported surgery treatment will greatly relieve me and my family, allowing us to save for our children's education and other essential expenses. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Thank you all very much."

Oun is a factory worker from Cambodia. She has three children, all of whom have moved out to be closer to their jobs. She lives with her husband in Kampong Cham Province. Her husband is a rice farmer, and she works in a nearby garment factory. In her free time, she enjoys video calling and chatting with her children and grandchildren. Since Oun was seven years old, she has had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Oun experiences tinnitus, fullness, pain, discharge, and some hearing loss. It is difficult for her to communicate with others, and her chronic condition has required her to spend money on medicines from the pharmacy for years. On November 21st, Oun will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation in her eardrum. Oun can contribute $100 towards her medical care but needs help raising the remaining $387 in funds. Oun shared, "I hope I will no longer experience discomfort. I hope my hearing improves so I won't worry about this issue anymore."