Farah is 53 years old and a father of eight from Ethiopia. He lives with his family in a refugee camp in Turkana after fleeing instability in search of safety. Despite difficult conditions, he has worked hard to support and care for his family. Last year, Farah fractured his left leg after slipping during heavy rains that flooded the camp. More recently, he was injured again while trying to avoid a motorbike, resulting in a fracture of his right leg. He is now in pain and unable to move freely, leaving him unable to care for his family. Fortunately, on April 17th, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, will perform surgery to repair his fracture. Farah is raising $1,500 to fund the procedure, which will relieve his pain and help him regain mobility. Farah said, “I am unable to walk, and even sitting for long is exhausting. I long to get better and be able to stand and walk again.”

Hawi is a young student from Ethiopia. At 17 years old, this 9th-grade student is at a very important time in her school life. She works hard at her studies while also taking care of her two younger siblings and helping with chores at home. Because she grew up in a hardworking farming family, she knows how important it is to be strong and active. However, a painful bump on her right hand is now making it very difficult for her to get her work done and keep up with her daily tasks. About a year ago, Hawi started feeling pain in her right hand that made simple movements difficult. Since then, the pain has grown much worse, making it nearly impossible for her to move her hand easily. She feels a constant pressure blocking her movement Hawi traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Hawi needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure. Hawi said, "I look forward to being able to write and do my chores without pain and discomfort."

Sary is A 61-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a widow and lives with her oldest son. She and her son sell bread to support their family. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news and listening to monks' sermons. About seven years ago, Sary developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Sary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On March 5th, she will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Sary said, "I hope that after surgery, my eye will stop tearing and feeling irritated, so I will not worry about my eye anymore. I also hope to return to selling bread comfortably and continue my daily work."

Nancy is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. She has undergone multiple procedures across different specialties, including pediatric surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic care. Each surgery was a step toward healing, yet each also took a heavy toll on her young body and spirit. Anxiety and fear make the hospital visits deeply distressing for her. Meanwhile, her father, the sole provider for the family, lost his job following a motorbike accident and has been unable to return to work. The emotional toll on Nancy’s parents has been overwhelming. Her father's greatest wish is simple and heartfelt: he longs to see his daughter healed, free from frequent hospital visits, and able to live a normal childhood filled with play, laughter, and possibility. Following five previous procedures, Nancy now requires a colostomy reversal surgery in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. It is the next step in her journey toward healing and normalcy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Nancy. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 5th. Once completed, Nancy should be able to live more comfortably and confidently. Nancy’s father shared, "I never imagined my three-year-old would know so much pain. As a father, all I want is for Nancy to get well, stop coming back to the hospital so often, and live a normal, happy life."

Chakriya is a 39-year-old man from Takaeo province, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and two children. His oldest child is in kindergarten, and his youngest child is two years old. His wife stays at home to look after the children and manage household tasks. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home and listening to music. For the past 14 years, Chakriya has been living with ankylosing spondylitis - a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine, causing back pain, stiffness, and inflammation, especially the base of the spine and pelvis. Around one year ago, Chakriya began experiencing pain in his right hip, which has caused difficulty walking and limited his ability to perform daily tasks independently. He had previously undergone a total hip arthroplasty on his left hip in 2014 with the help of our medical partner. Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Chakriya decided to travel back to CSC for treatment on his right hip. On January 16th, he will undergo a hip replacement procedure, which will cost $1500, including surgery and post-op care. Chakriya and his family can contribute $50, and need support for the remaining cost. Surgeons will operate on his right hip to relieve pain and improve mobility, allowing him to move comfortably and return to work. Chakriya said, "After the surgery, I hope that I will be able to walk easily and no longer have hip pain, so I can do my job properly."

Tith is a 16-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his family in Svay Rieng Province. Tith and his older brother work in customer service at a local jewelry shop. His father works as a tuk-tuk motorcycle taxi driver, and his mother works in a garment factory. Prior to his accident, he enjoyed playing volleyball with his friends in the village. Two months ago, Tith fell on the road while trying to cross in front of a car, which resulted in paralysis of his arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his arm, feels pain at night, and cannot work or carry out his daily activities and hobbies. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Tith traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On January 8th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will regain function in his left arm, reduce pain, and be able to return to work and support his family. His family can contribute $75, but needs help to raise $662 more to fund his procedure and care. Tith's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to use his arm and hand again, so he can return to his job and feel confident for the future.”

Bisrat is a three-year-old charming and playful boy who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and grandmother. He is very attached to his father, and has a strong interest in anything technical. He also loves spending time with his cousins and playing football. He enjoys wearing sportswear and dreams of becoming a footballer one day. Bisrat's mother is a home maker, who has paused her business selling traditional food and drink due to health issues. His father was a taxi driver, but was laid off when the owner of the taxi decided to sell the vehicle. Due to these challenges, the family moved in with Bisrat's grandmother. Recently, Bisrat fell ill, and was having difficulty urinating. Concerned, his mother took him to a nearby hospital, where an ultrasound was performed. Bisrat was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Bisrat has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Doctors at the hospital explained that Bisrat would need surgery, which distressed Bisrat's mother because she knew her family would not be able to afford it. The family was then referred to our partner's medical care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), and were also assisted with transportation costs. The family travelled four days to reach BKMCM, where they were warmly received. Bisrat's diagnosis was confirmed, and he has been scheduled for corrective surgery on April 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of Bisrat's procedure and care. Bisrat's mother shared, "The doctor clarified everything I asked. I am very happy and grateful for all the support. Thank you so much.” Bisrat’s father shared, "I'm so happy for your service. Thank you, BethanyKids, for providing my family this opportunity.”

Rano is a nine-year-old student who lives with his parents and two older brothers. His mother sells fish at the local market, and his father works in construction. Now in fourth grade, Rano especially loves studying math. After school, he enjoys playing hide-and-seek with friends in his village and looks forward to meals of pork caramelized soup. Rano was born with a cleft lip and palate and received initial repair as a baby. However, he still has a gap in his upper gum that makes chewing difficult and affects his speech. Without further treatment, his permanent teeth may not grow in correctly, and he will continue to face challenges with eating, speaking, and smiling confidently. On December 3rd, surgeons at Children’s Surgical Centre will perform an alveolar bone graft to close this gap. This procedure will create a strong foundation for Rano’s permanent teeth and help support the base of his nose. Rano’s parents cannot afford the $665 cost of the surgery and post-operative care, and they are seeking help to give their son the healthy, confident future he deserves. Rano's mother said, "After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to chew more easily and speak clearly, so he can focus on his studies."

Chorb is 76 years old and a doting grandmother from Cambodia. Five months ago, after her husband passed away, Chorb moved in with her eldest child. She has four other children and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. For the past four months, Chorb has suffered from hip pain that prevents her from walking. Because of this, she cannot move around freely or visit the pagoda, which was part of her daily routine. She worries about losing her independence and being limited in her activities. Chorb was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), by a friend from her village. On November 11th, Chorb will undergo a hip replacement procedure on her left hip. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $1,400 more to fund her procedure and care. After surgery, Chorb hopes to regain mobility, to be free from hip pain, and to return to visiting the pagoda independently. Chorb said: “After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have hip pain, and I can walk on my own."

Caroline is 49 years old and a mother of one from Kenya. She has been battling kidney failure since 2017 and has been on medication and dialysis since then. In 2023, she began experiencing progressive weakness in her legs, which eventually left her unable to walk. She has not been able to work since 2017 and has relied on the support of friends and well-wishers to survive. She has one son, who has his own family and depends on casual jobs to make ends meet, limiting his ability to support her financially. Caroline was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism resulting from kidney failure. This condition has caused mass buildup in her thyroid glands, leading to limb weakness and her inability to walk. Doctors have recommended surgery, which would help restore strength in her limbs and give her the chance to walk again. Unfortunately, Caroline’s insurance does not cover this procedure. With no source of income, she is unable to meet the cost of the surgery. Caroline is therefore reaching out for support to undergo this procedure, recover her mobility, and reduce the level of dependency she is currently experiencing. On February 6th, Caroline will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She needs help to raise $1,500 to fund her procedure and care. Caroline says, “I would really like to walk again so I can do simple things on my own, like walking to the washroom without help.”