Francis is a 20-year-old student - a freshman at university and the second born in a family of 3 children. His mother earns money to support the family by cleaning clothes for neighbors. Francis' dad left the family in 2007, leaving his mother to raise the children and make ends meet on her own. Francis loves athletics and serving in the local church. Francis commutes to university daily and often ends up seeking rides from other vehicles, especially lorries carrying sand and stones. On one of these occasions, he ran to board a lorry, and unfortunately, missed the steps and fell on the tarmac where he hit his left elbow. It is difficult for him to use his left arm, and he is in pain. Francis was diagnosed with a fracture to his left elbow. Surgeons at our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. On August 17th, he will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will relieve him from pain and allow him to regain the use of his left arm. Francis will be able to go back to school and continue with his studies. AMH is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. “I will be very grateful if assisted to have this surgery. I have to be strong, for I would love to complete my education and hopefully change the situation of my family,” said Francis.

Anne is a 13-day-old baby from Haiti. She is loved deeply by her parents and big brother. Anne has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Anne has been experiencing an increased head circumference. Without treatment, Anne will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of hydrocephalus treatment for Anne at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only hospital in the country where this care is currently available. The procedure is schedule to take place on May 30th. This critical treatment will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Anne's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life as she grows. With proper treatment, Anne will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Anne's family is hopeful that this early intervention will allow her to develop into a healthy young girl!

Sarin is a 53-year-old single woman who lives in Phnom Penh province and is the primary caregiver for her elderly parents. She has five living siblings (sadly, two of her siblings died young) who help to support her and her parents. Most of her day is taken up with caring for her parents, cooking, and cleaning. In the evenings, Sarin likes to practice dhamma - a form of Buddhist meditation - as well as listen to the village monks pray on the local radio station. For many years, Sarin had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. If untreated, a cholesteatoma can cause erosion of the three small bones located in the middle ear, resulting in nerve deterioration, imbalance, vertigo, and deafness. It can also affect and erode, through the enzymes it produces, the thin bone structure that isolates the top of the ear from the brain, risking further infection with serious complications. Sarin's cholesteatoma has caused her many problems. She suffers ear discharge, headaches, and a gradual loss of hearing. It is difficult for her to communicate with her family and other villagers, and she is embarrassed that she cannot hear well. She visited several hospitals seeking care but could not afford to pay for surgery. One of the hospitals suggested she visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Sarin traveled to CSC and, after examination, learned that she will be able to receive treatment. On October 17, the ENT surgeons at CSC will remove the cholesteatoma by performing a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. CSC is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sarin said: "I hopeful that this operation will improve my hearing and prevent a brain infection."

Pendo, a baby girl, resides in the Ngorongoro region of Tanzania. Her family follows the Maasai tradition and sustains themselves primarily through subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Pendo was born with clubfoot, a congenital condition that causes her foot to be twisted inward and downward, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Unfortunately, due to limited medical facilities and awareness in her village, the condition went unnoticed by doctors at birth. Pendo's mother noticed her bent leg a few days later. Despite the concern of the village grandmothers, her father initially believed it was part of God's plan and resisted any intervention. However, during an outreach program conducted by our medical team in her village, Pendo's mother learned about the treatment options available for her daughter. Realizing the potential for improved quality of life for Pendo, she sought medical assistance and brought her to our partner's center. Fortunately, Pendo is now being seen by our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on June 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, requests $935 to fund Pendo's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she'll be able to walk easily as she grows and live a full life ahead. Pendo's mother says, "Thank you for the chance to receive the treatment for my daughter. I hope her future will be good."

Saing is a 47-year-old man who resides in a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. He serves as a volunteer teacher, dedicating his time to educating the children in the camp. He owns a small garden where he cultivates vegetables for his own consumption and generously shares the surplus with others. During his free time, Saing spends time reading books. Saing has suffered from a right inguinal hernia for the past 5 years. Initially, he could push the swelling back into his abdomen, but since August 2023, this has become increasingly difficult. He has also experienced severe pain in his groin since then. Saing has been diagnosed with a right irreducible inguinal hernia. Saing's doctor has scheduled him to undergo a right herniotomy with mesh repair on September 4th to repair the hernia. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) will be helping Saing access treatment and he needs help raising $1,486 to fund the procedure. Saing said, “I would like to receive surgery to recover from my condition because I feel uncomfortable and I cannot do what I want to do. After the operation, I hope my condition improves and I can continue teaching.”

Rose is a 25-year-old woman from Haiti. She lives with her older sister and her family in a small community in southwest Haiti. When Rose was a teenager, one of her heart valves was severely damaged due to an infection. This caused a condition known as rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation, where Rose's heart cannot adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. She had to pause her college education due to her condition but hopes to restart school when she is healthy. On July 24th, Rose will undergo cardiac surgery in the United States. During the procedure, surgeons will remove Rose's damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $20,000 to pay for Rose's surgery. Rose's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkup, and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Rose's family overseas. Rose shared with us: "I am so happy to be able to have this surgery so that I can start living more normally and thinking about my future!"

Grandpa, a 6-year-old boy, is the fifth born in a family of seven. Currently enrolled in the first grade, he already shws a strong enthusiasm for reading. Our medical partner first met with Grandpa at an outreach mobile clinic, where his father accompanied him. The family originates from Achapost, a village in the interior of Samburu County. Grandpa's father actively serves as a community health volunteer, while his mother diligently takes care of their home and family. Grandpa was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. He has been living with the condition since birth and tiptoes as he walks. He cannot walk long distances or play with friends because of his condition. He is scheduled to undergo bilateral PMR, which will correct his feet and allow him to continue living a more active life. The family cannot afford the hospital bill and request support from well-wishers. "My joy would be seeing my boy walking and playing like other children and progressing with his education," Grandpa's father told us.

Rany is a 27-year-old soldier from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who are rice farmers, and his brother, who works in an office. When he has free time, Rany likes to play football and have coffee with his friends. In October 2022, Rany fell off his motorbike and injured his right arm. He visited the provincial hospital and was then transferred to a government hospital. He was unable to lift his right arm, but an X-ray showed nothing abnormal, and he was sent home. Several months later, still unable to lift his arm, he went to the army hospital, where doctors suggested that he consult with doctors at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. He has since been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in a loss of function and sensation, which is why Rany can't lift his arm. On April 25th, Rany will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the only facility in the country where this treatment is available. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. After recovery, Rany should regain some function in his arm. Rany said: "I hope I will be able to use my right hand again and return to the army base to work."

Roly, who is two years old, is a happy and loving child, who lives with his family in a small town, which is a nine hour drive from La Paz, Bolivia. Roly's parents are farmers. Roly was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. Because of this condition, blood leaks through a hole that connects two major blood vessels next to the heart, leaving Roly sick and short of breath. He needs surgery in order to be able to live a full and healthy life. Fortunately our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is helping Roly access the care that he needs. On March 1st, surgeons at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uria will operate on Roly, sewing the hole in his heart closed, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Now Roly and his family need your help to raise the $1,500 necessary to fund this life saving procedure. His mother is hopeful that he will be better soon and said, "We are hoping that our son will have a better appetite and gain more weight after his surgery is finished."