Joyce is a 12-year-old from Kenya. She is a sixth grader who loves Math. Joyce is the firstborn in a family of two children and is being raised by her single mother, who relies on casual farming jobs to provide for the family. As Joyce was growing up, developmental milestones were noticeably delayed. She sat independently at nearly one year of age and began walking when she was almost two years old. By the age of three, she could only speak a few simple words. Relieved that her daughter had finally started talking, her mother enrolled her in school. Once Joyce began primary school, her teachers noticed that she had difficulty hearing. At home, her mother also realised she often had to repeat herself several times before Joyce understood what was being said. "The teacher gives her tasks, but she struggles with almost everything. I am so worried," her mother says. Although she is eager to learn and loves reading, her untreated hearing loss makes it hard for her to understand classroom instructions, causing her to fall behind academically. "Joyce loves reading, but she cannot understand the instructions she is given, so she is falling behind," her mother explains. Joyce was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. She was diagnosed with hearing loss and was advised to use hearing aids to improve her hearing and communication. Unfortunately, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond what her family can afford. On July 7th, Joyce will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting help raising $1,171. The hearing aids will give Joyce a better chance to fully participate in class, excel in her education, and pursue her dreams with confidence. "I love mathematics," Joyce says with a smile. "One day, I want to become a teacher so I can help children learn and enjoy mathematics just as much as I do."

Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Aliya is a 16-year-old girl from India. Her family is from Rampurhat in Birbhum, West Bengal. When she was five years old, Aliya sustained severe burn injuries when a lighted lamp accidentally fell on her while she was going to eat, and her nightgown caught fire. Since then, she has undergone multiple surgeries at our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, to address her burn-related complications. She continues to require treatment and is currently admitted for another surgery to further improve her condition. Aliya is scheduled for a post-burn contracture surgery on April 6th, and needs help raising $1,442 to fund her procedure and care. Aliya attends school, and ongoing surgical care is essential to help her regain function and lead a more independent life. Aliya's mother shared, "We are very happy with the surgeries our daughter has received at this hospital. We have seen a big difference in her condition, and we are grateful for the care and support she continues to receive."

Cho is a 35-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, father, two sons, and two younger sisters in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. On the 2nd of March 2026, Cho was in a road accident, fracturing her lower right leg. She is in pain, unable to walk or stand, and is unable to sleep. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Cho will undergo surgery to reset her fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for March 5th and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Cho be free from pain and able to walk again. Cho's sister said, "Thank you! I am so happy for my sister to receive surgery soon with the support from the donors."

Mu is a 75-year-old retired woman from Burma. She lives with her family in a refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand, with her son, daughter-in-law, three grandsons and two granddaughters. They moved to the refugee camp in April 2023 from their home in Bango Division, Burma, in order to escape the fighting and airstrikes in their village. Mu’s son, two older grandsons and older granddaughter work as agricultural day laborers in the camp. Her younger grandson and granddaughter are students in the camp. Mu is experiencing severe lower right back pain, nausea, and cannot eat. Her urine is cloudy, and she cannot stand or even sit up fully due to her pain. Her family is worried about the financial burden of treatment and their lack of access to care. Mu was diagnosed with kidney stones and physicians at our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, determined that Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) could resolve her symptoms. ESWL is a procedure that can break up the stones in the urinary system and the fragments will exit in the urine. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on February 6th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Mu's son expressed, “I see her in pain, but I cannot find the money to get her treatment.” Mu’s daughter-in-law said, “We are sad for her but happy that she will receive support. Thank you for helping her and finding a way for her to receive treatment. She has suffered for a long time.”

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."

Theresia is a 15-year-old girl from Tanzania. Theresia’s mother currently lives in Oldeani, Karatu, where she works as a small-scale farmer cultivating maize to support the family. Theresia always loved school, but the increasing pain and difficulty walking forced her to drop out. The long distances to school, uneven paths, and the social challenges that came with her condition made it impossible for her to continue. It was a heartbreaking decision for her and her mother, who has always encouraged her education. Theresia has clubfoot on her right foot. 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, Theresia's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on December 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Theresia's clubfoot repair. Her mother dreams of seeing her daughter walk comfortably again, free from pain, and return to school to continue chasing the future she deserves. Theresia says, "It has been painful trying to work at home, go to school, and be independent. I wish for this to change and the pain to stop."

Hlaing is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his mother and two nephews in Tak Province, Thailand. Originally from Kachin State, Burma, his family fled to Thailand due to the civil war in Burma. Hlaing is unemployed and attends a Thai language school. His mother manages household chores, while his nephews are high school students at a migrant school. The family’s only income comes from Hlaing’s sister, who lives elsewhere and works as a shop vendor, sending them money monthly. This amount is just enough to cover the family's daily expenses. On October 10, 2025, Hlaing had an accident while going to the market. A CT scan of his head revealed a minimal subdural hematoma and multiple facial bone fractures. He needs surgery to facilitate the healing of his facial bone fractures, including the right cheekbone and chin. Currently, Hlaing’s superficial abrasion wounds have healed well, and he can eat and sleep. However, due to the head injury and multiple facial fractures, he experiences pain and difficulty chewing solid foods. These challenges have left him feeling guilty and burdened by his family’s situation. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Hlaing will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for November 7th and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Hlaing be free from pain while eating and be able to eat properly again. Hlaing shared softly, “After fully recovering, I will find a job and save money to support my mother and my nephews.”