Abraham is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania, where he lives with his parents and siblings. “He is a mama’s boy,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), “Ever since the fire accident he does not want to leave his mama’s side.” When Abraham was eight months old, he burned his right foot on hot coals. While Abraham’s wounds seemed to heal with traditional herbs and honey, a contracture (shortening of muscle cells that leads to rigidity) subsequently developed. “Abraham is unable to wear shoes or walk properly due to burn scar contracture of his right foot and ankle. Abraham’s gait will continue to be affected if not treated,” explains AMHF. AMHF can treat Abraham with contracture release surgery and a skin graft. Surgery will help Abraham regain flexibility, and burned skin tissue will be replaced with healthy tissue. “Abraham’s gait will improve and he will be able to wear shoes,” says AMHF. Treatment will cost $870, which includes surgical and medical fees, a four-day stay at the hospital, and a 12 week stay at a physical rehabilitation center. With both of his parents working as farmers, they cannot afford to pay for Abraham’s treatment. “All I hope is for my son to be able to walk properly and wear shoes, so that when he grows up, he can herd cattle, and go to school,” says Abraham’s mother.

Suzan is four months old and lives in Tanzania with her parents and four siblings. Since she was two months old, Suzan has suffered from a condition known as hydrocephalus, or a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in her brain. “The circumference of Suzan’s head is increasing due to increased intracranial pressure," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). As a result of her condition, Suzan experiences fluctuating fevers and loss in appetite. "If not treated, Suzan will be at risk of losing her vision." Suzan’s parents work as small scale farmers and do not have the income to fund her treatment. Her parents have “had to sell their only goat to get bus fare to bring their daughter to the hospital," her doctor shares. For $775, Suzan will receive surgery to treat the buildup of fluid in her brain, eliminate the risk of going blind, and to help her continue with normal growth. Suzan’s mother adds, “I hope our baby will get well, continue with normal growth and later on, go to school like other children."

“What I wish the most is for my baby to be able to walk,” says Aisha’s mother. Aisha is a cheerful 16-month old baby girl who lives in Tanzania with her parents and two siblings. Her father is the sole provider for their family, and relies on selling used clothing for an income. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us that Aisha’s parents began noticing abnormalities with her head when she was three months old. She was later diagnosed with hydrocephalus, swelling of the head that is caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Aisha’s head has become so swollen that the weight of it prevents her from walking. If left untreated, Aisha may also lose her vision. For $775, Aisha will receive hydrocephalus surgery to drain the CSF in her brain and prevent future swelling. The cost also includes includes surgical expenses, medication, a five day stay at the hospital, and a two week stay at a rehabilitation center. AMHF shares that after surgery, “Aisha’s head will be lighter allowing her body to support the head giving her the balance to walk. She will also be out of the risk of losing her eyesight.”

“Jhony is a happy, affectionate baby – always laughing, smiling and giving hugs,” says our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). The nine-month-old baby boy lives with his mother, twin sister, and two older brothers in Guatemala. Jhony is growing at a slower rate than normal due to acute malnutrition. WK states, “Jhony is losing weight and his mother, who is raising her children on her own, does not know what to do to increase his weight and rate of growth. If intervention does not occur Jhony will continue to experience delayed physical and mental development. His immune system will weaken and he will be [at] risk of the long-term effects of acute malnutrition.” Jhony’s mother, a single parent, earns her income selling tortillas. However, her income is not enough to support the cost of Jhony's treatment. With $535, Jhony will begin a 90-days nutritional support program. Over three months, micronutrient food supplements will gradually be introduced into his diet--allowing him to safely adjust to the changes. For his weak immune system, Jhony will receive medication to protect him against infections. Jhony’s mother will also receive an intensive nutrition education. With this treatment, WK says, “Jhony’s immune system will strengthen and he will receive medication and micronutrient supplementation. We anticipate with this support his mother will have the tools she needs to ensure Jhony will increase physical and mental development and have the ability to go far.” Jhony’s mother shares, “My babes are my soul. Although I am alone with my children, I fight for them with all of my heart. I am so thankful for this support to help my babies grow – we really need it.”

Meet Collins, an active four-year-old boy who lives in Tanzania with his grandmother and siblings. "Collins likes to play with balls and cars," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Collins was seriously burned in an accident earlier this year. AMHF explains, "Collins was playing with his little brother. That evening as they were laughing and running around inside the house, Collins accidentally tripped and fell. As he was trying to gain his balance so as not to fall down completely, his left hand went straight inside a pot which was full of boiling water.” AMHF continues, "Collins is unable to use his left hand due to the contracture of the wrist and he still has a wound. Collins was treated traditionally and ended up with contracture of the wrist. His mother tried her best to take care of her son, but the little that she earns is not enough to cover the cost of treatment which Collins needs." $780 in funding will provide Collins with skin graft surgery. After the surgery AMHF expects, "the wound on Collins hand will heal, preventing him from contracting infections. ... Later on the release of his wrist can be done to restore the functionality of his hand." Collins' grandmother shares, "My grandson cries a lot when someone touches his hand. He still has a wound which is bothering him. I hope he will get better and regain his ability to use his hand again."

Meet Sucely, a one-year-old girl from Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), describes Sucely as an “active and well-tempered child,” who laughs frequently and enjoys playing with dolls. Sucely lives on a compound-style property with her extended family. “Her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmother all participate and contribute to the general well-being of family and spend lots of quality time together,” says WK. Recently, Sucely’s parents have been extremely worried about their youngest daughter, who hasn’t been growing like her two older brothers did. After examining Sucely, WK diagnosed her with acute malnutrition. Sucely does not consume enough food, and she is unable to retain nutrients due to parasitic disease and bacterial infection. If left untreated, Sucely’s malnutrition could lead to extreme dehydration, a compromised immune system, and death. According to Sucely’s mother, “We have a lot of family and so our resources are spread very thin.” Sucely’s father is a part-time carpenter, but he does not make enough to cover the costs of her treatment. For $535, we can help Sucely get the life-saving help she needs. “This treatment will supply Sucely with growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication for her to recoup some of the weight and height she has lost and increase her overall caloric intake,” says WK. Moreover, her parents will receive “intensive nutrition education, thus building their confidence and ability to care for Sucely throughout her childhood.” Sucely’s mother shares, “Thank you so much for finding us. I am worried because our other two children were not like this. We are excited to learn.” Let’s help give Sucely the opportunity to develop normally and live a healthy, happy life!