Gift is a baby from Kenya. She is this the youngest of four. Gift was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Gift is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,097 to cover the cost of Gift's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 21. This procedure will hopefully spare Gift from the risks associated with her condition, instead allowing her to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory.

Melkizedeck is a child from Tanzania. He is the second born in a family of three children. Melkizedeck has not yet started school but his parents are already working on getting him into school at the beginning of next year. Melkizedeck’s parents depend on small-scale farming for their living and supporting their family. Melkizedeck has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Melkizedeck traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on October 11. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $890 to fund Melkizedeck's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily when he starts school next year. His father says, “A friend had told me how expensive it was to treat this condition. That’s why we never tried to take him to hospital because we knew we couldn’t afford it. If there is a way to help my son, please help us.”

Phary is a tailor from Cambodia. She is married and has one daughter. She likes to cook and watch movies. Five years ago, Phary had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. For this reason, Phary experiences ear discharge, itchiness, tinnitus and hearing loss. She cannot hear well and has ear pain Phary traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On November 2, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $423 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. She says, "I hope my ear pain and discharge are gone after the operation."

Rafael is an infant from Kenya. He is the youngest of four children. The family lives in a one-room rental house in the Nyanza region of Kenya. Rafael was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Rafael is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,097 to cover the cost of Rafael's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 29. This procedure will hopefully spare Rafael from the risks associated with his condition, instead allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. “Our entire family was shocked to learn of this condition but we are all praying for God’s will to happen in Rafael’s life,” shares Rafael’s mother.

Jane is a baby from Kenya. She is the youngest of three children. Jane 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, Jane has been experiencing irritability and she is at risk of brain damage. Without treatment, Jane will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Jane that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 30 and will drain the excess fluid from Jane's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Jane will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. “I am glad that God has come in through Watsi,” says Jane’s mother.

Jozitala is a hard-working farmer from Malawi. He lives with his wife and six kids. He spends every day working in the fields to feed his family. Since 2016, Jozitala has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area. This hydrocele causes him weakness, pain, and embarrassment, making it difficult to continue working. Fortunately, on December 11, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is requesting $302 to fund Jozitala's surgery. The requested money pays for supplies, medications, and six nights of hospital stay. He says, "This is a very good program because it helps people to return to good health when they cannot help themselves!"