Benjamin is a seven-month-old baby boy from Bolivia. He is his parents' first child. His mom is studying to become a speech therapist, and his dad works in a call center. Benjamin was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. His aorta has a passage that is much narrower than normal, causing blood to back up and placing strain on his heart. On November 25th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will surgically repair the affected section of the aorta so that it is a more normal size. Benjamin'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. Benjamin's mother shared, "I'm grateful that the children's hospital has these kinds of surgeries so that the doctors can help him here."

Musa is a four-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third of four children in his family. He is curious and enjoys engaging in conversations with different people. Musa's father is a farmer, and his mother is a stay-at-home mom. The family relies on casual day jobs to make ends meet. Musa was diagnosed with genu varus, which causes his legs to bow outward. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. This makes it difficult for him to walk long distances, run, or participate in activities he loves. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund Musa's treatment. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 19th at Kafika House, our medical partner's care center. Treatment will restore Musa's mobility, allow him to participate in various activities, and significantly decrease his risk of future complications. Musa's mother says: "I hope my son will get better and this condition won't affect his future."

Bonface is a commercial motorcycle driver. He lives in one of the biggest informal settlements of Nairobi Kenya with a relatively inconsistent income. He earns a daily commission depending on the availability of customers. Bonface lives in a single-room rental house that costs Ksh. 3000.00 ($30) per month. He is also hosting and taking care of his younger sister, who lives with him. His parents are elderly and stay in their ancestral home. They also depend on him for upkeep. He relies on national insurance medical coverage but has depleted his surgery allocation and, therefore, is in financial distress. Bonface was involved in a road traffic accident in early July 2021 and sustained a fracture tibia fibula. Although he underwent a surgery at a government facility in Nairobi, the wound developed an infection. This has delayed the healing of his wound and Bonface is experiencing pain in his right lower leg. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Bonface receive treatment. On November 8th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure. The surgery will help to manage the infection and avoid risk of imputation which would affect his work. Now, Bonface needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Bonface says, “This leg is so painful and I am scared if not treated it can be cut. But doctors have given me hope of healing if I undergo this surgery.”

Ngam is a 72-year-old widowed farmer. She has five children and fifteen grandchildren, and lives with her daughter who also works as a farmer. Ngam shared that her husband died several years ago. To earn a living, she grows bean sprouts on her farm. When she has free time, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio, or visit her local pagoda. Four years ago, Ngam developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty seeing in bright or low light. Now, she is reluctant to do things on her own, like walking alone to the pagoda because she cannot see the path well. When Ngam learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 14th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Ngam shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better and make bean sprouts to sell. This will help to support my family."

Kamusiime is a tailor from Uganda. She is a tall, soft-spoken woman and a mother of five children, all of whom are in school. Her eldest child is in high school and her youngest is in class two of primary school. Kamusiime and her family live in a two-roomed semi-permanent house. Her husband is a carpenter and their combined income is just enough to make ends meet. Over a year ago, Kamusiime began to experience troubling symptoms, including neck swelling, breathing problem, and profuse swelling. She was diagnosed with multinodular goitre, which affects her sleep and makes breathing a challenge, especially when it is cold. Before coming to our medical partner's care center, she was seen at a clinic, where they reported that her blood pressure was high but controlled. Later, she was reviewed at Nyakibale Hospital and diagnosed with the goitre. She needs surgery to remove the goitre and prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Kamusiime receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 13th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252. Kamusiime shares, “When my condition is treated, I hope to continue with my tailoring business to provide for my family.”

Sokhom is a 60-year-old fish seller with three daughters and six grandchildren. Sokhom lives with her eldest daughter who also sells fish. Nowadays, Sokhom stays home and cares for her grandchildren. She also enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. Four years ago, Sokhom developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sokhom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On May 18th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Sokhom shared, "I hope I feel comfortable with my vision so I can get around outside on my own, do my housework, and help my daughter take care of her children."

Vat is a 67-year-old monk with two daughters, four sons, and 11 grandchildren. Vat's wife passed away 10 years ago. Since then, he has become a monk and lives at the pagoda. He likes to help teach the young monks about Khmer literature. Five years ago, Vat developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Vat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled with his son seeking treatment. On June 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Vat shared, "I hope after surgery I can see well so I can teach well in the pagoda and travel to join in for ceremonies."

Wilna is a seven-year-old girl living in Haiti. She was born with a cleft lip, which prevents her from eating normally and has resulted in malnourishment. Wilna is supported by a large and loving family -- her mother, father, and four siblings all hope for her to get healthy soon. However, her parents' only means of support is a small vegetable farm at home. They can not afford the surgery, and Wilna’s mother is worried for her daughter. Wilna has not been going to school because of her cleft lip. She says she is scared because she is often laughed at. Her father can not wait to see her return to school. $960 will pay for a plastic surgery procedure to repair Wilna’s cleft lip and allow her to eat normally. Let's chip in so Wilna can live a normal life, starting with school!

Meet Susan! Susan is nine years old and lives with her mother and father in Kenya. She enjoys going to school and wishes to grow up to be a teacher one day. Susan was born with bilateral knee contractures. Bilateral knee contractures are a condition that makes it impossible for Susan to straighten her legs or walk. Without being able to walk, she is unable to get to school each day. Susan’s parents are very grateful that they found our medical partner CURE International. The mother, Salome, says that she found out about this hospital through a pastor and believes it is the best chance her daughter has in fulfilling her dreams of being a teacher. “I want my daughter to walk,” she says. For $1,000, we can fund a bilateral knee release that will allow Susan to walk. Let's help fulfill Susan's mother's dreams, and help Susan walk easily!