One-month-old Elizabeth was “born with a lesion on her back which is leaking cerebral spinal fluid," explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). She was diagnosed with a myelomeningocoele and hydrocephalus. Her condition positions her at high risk of contracting infections if not treated. Elizabeth lives with her parents and a large family in Tanzania. Her father works as a guard at an NGO and keeps a few cows and goats. Elizabeth’s parents cannot raise the funds to cover the cost of Elizabeth’s treatment. For $1,200, Elizabeth will receive surgery to close the mass on her back. Surgery will allow her to “heal, preventing her from easily contracting infections." By eliminating this risk, Elizabeth will be able to continue growing and enjoying her family. Her mother adds, “I just hope my baby will be okay. I will be happy to see her grow up like other children."

Meet Babu, a 13-month-old boy from Tanzania. “Babu is a beautiful little boy and the only child to his mother, who is a single parent," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Babu was delivered by C-section in a bridged position, and has had trouble passing stool since birth," AMHF shares. His mother tried to feed him and provide Babu with the best care, but her son’s condition worsened. At six-weeks-old, Babu received an immediate colostomy, the removal of his colon. Babu was then diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease, a condition characterized by a blockage in the large intestine. As a single mother working on the farm, Babu’s mother cannot afford another hospital visit. AMHF says, “Despite all her hardships, Babu’s mother is a strong and hopeful woman. She dreams of raising her son and later going back to school. Her dream was to become a vet, and she still wants to have such a career.” With $1,500, Babu can undergo a two step procedure to first resection his paralyzed colon, then re-attach it and close the colostomy. AMHF states that with this surgery, “Babu will be able to pass stool normally and continue with normal growth.” “I pray for my baby to get well, live a normal life, go to school, and later on have a good career,” says Babu’s mother.