Tariku is a ten-month-old little boy from Ethiopia. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), introduces Tariku: “Tariku is very active and loves to play and laugh with his parents. He is a beautiful baby. Unfortunately, Tariku was born with an anorectal malformation. An anorectal malformation is a congenital birth defect in which the rectum develops abnormally, making bowel movements difficult and often putting the patient at risk for spinal or heart complications as well. Depending on the severity of the malformation, emergency colostomies are sometimes necessary to avoid a bowel obstruction. This was the case with Tariku, who received his colostomy bag at just three days old. Since then he has been unable to independently pass stool, and is likely to undergo further colostomy complications such as leakages, infections, or obstruction if his condition is not addressed. Furthermore, Ethiopia, Tariku’s home, is located in a region whose weather patterns are significantly affected by El Niño; the country is currently experiencing its worst drought in 50 years. Tariku’s family is one of the many who are having difficulty harvesting crops during the drought. Subsequently, with already limited finances, they are unable to afford further treatment for Tariku. “His father and I don’t have the money to cover our son’s expenses,” Tariku’s mother shares. “I hope I will see my baby’s condition treated and see him be healthy.” Tariku needs a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty to surgically reposition his rectum and anus and allow for regular bowel movements. While Tariku recovers from the anorectoplasty, another colostomy opening will be created. Then, two to three months later a colostomy closure will be done to complete the process. With $1,500, this will be possible for Tariku. The funds will also include his antibiotics, imaging, and inpatient stay. After his recovery, Tariku is expected to be able to independently pass stool and live a normal and healthy childhood.

“My dream for James is to see him get well, and grow up like other children,” James’ mother tells our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Since birth, this baby boy from Kenya has experienced health complications due to an anorectal malformation—a rare condition in which the anal region improperly develops in utero. AMHF explains, “He is not able to pass stool normally and instead uses a colostomy bag. With his condition, James is at risk of suffering constipation and bowel perforation due to an inability to pass stool normally. He is also at risk of infections at the colostomy site if not treated.” Despite their efforts, James’ parents have been unable to get him the treatment he needs to fully correct the condition. AMHF tells us that James was brought to a “public hospital near his home when he was born to try to repair the malformation.” Unfortunately, this procedure was unsuccessful because he requires a more complete operation. $1,1260 will fund a complete anorectal malformation correction surgery. Given the complexity of the issue, this will be a two-stage procedure. First, James will undergo an anorectoplasty to realign his bowel and resume normal bowel functionality. Second, he will receive a colostomy, allowing him to independently pass stool. In addition to these surgeries, James will receive eight days of care in the hospital and all of the laboratory examinations necessary for a safe operation and recovery. Commenting on the impact of this procedure, AMHF shares that “James’ treatment will help him to pass stool normally. He will no longer be susceptible to infection.”

Meet Victor, a three-year-old boy from Kenya! Victor lives with his grandmother in a small two-room house and attends kindergarten nearby. He receives support from his father, but his mother left the family six months ago. Victor was born with hypospadias, a condition that prevents him from passing urine normally. Our medical partner, the African Mission Healthcare Foundation, says if left untreated, Victor will be unable to father children in the future. After treatment, Victor will be able to pass urine normally. “I am thankful I have finally found a hospital where my child can be treated," Victor's father says. "Victor is a very happy child and I do not want him to suffer low self esteem because of this condition." $655 will fund Victor’s treatment. Let's help Victor pay for this life changing surgery.

“We have been blessed with two wonderful children and we want the best for both of them.” Frank’s mother tells us. “Our hope is for the position of Frank’s feet to be corrected so that as he continues to grow, he will not have any mobility restrictions and that will allow him to go to school and do other things.” Frank is a sweet, four-month-old baby living in Tanzania. His parents work in their small family farm to provide for their two children. Frank was born with bilateral talipes equinovarus, more commonly known as clubfeet. With this deformity, the feet appear to have been rotated inward at the ankle. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, explains, “if not treated, he will use the lateral aspect of his feet for walking which is painful and will greatly impair his mobility.” However, with treatment, it is expected that Frank “will have no restrictions on walking or running.” For $1,160, we can fund this life-changing treatment for baby Frank, allowing him to soon learn how to walk with ease!

Sheila is a three-year old girl living in Kenya with her mother. Sheila's mom is a single parent who works as a casual laborer to support her family. "Sheila was born without an anal opening and she has never been able to pass stools normally," African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) tells us. "Sheila has a colostomy which leaves her susceptible to infections." At three, Sheila has already undergone two major surgeries to rectify this situation. She was brought to AMHF for further care by well-wishers who wanted to help Sheila and her mother out. Right now Sheila needs a colostomy closure so that she can have normal bowel movements. "I am looking forward to the day my daughter will pass stools normally like other children," her mother says. The AMHF team is prepared to make this happen for Sheila. So let's raise $595 to cover the cost of this procedure and ensure that she is free from infection and discomfort.

“I love my son very much and I am so happy that I have him. My hope is for his foot to be straightened so that he can walk like other children and later on have no limitations when walking to school or doing other activities,” says Elia’s mother. This is Elia. He’s one year old and lives in Tanzania with his mother, where he’s unable to walk without support. Elia was born with a club foot, which will cause him to walk incorrectly when he’s older. If his foot is left untreated, Elia eventually won’t be able to walk without pain. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, reports, “Six months ago, Elia’s father separated with his wife because he did not want to be responsible in looking for proper treatment for his son. Elia’s mother is struggling on her own with a little help from her sister.” For $1160, Elia will receive treatment to correct his club foot, allowing him to walk normally and without pain as he grows older. Let’s help Elia pay for the medical care he needs to climb, run, and play!