Dennis is an 18-year-old boy from Kenya. He is being raised by his single mother, who is a casual laborer who relies on seasonal farm work and domestic jobs to provide for Dennis and his three siblings. From infancy, Dennis was a frail child who was frequently ill and required constant care. He experienced significant developmental delays, taking his first steps when he was nearly three years old. While his physical milestones came late, it was his lack of speech that concerned his mother the most. She longed to hear him speak, but Dennis remained unusually quiet. She would talk to him, and he would simply look back at her without responding. Instead of using words, he learned to communicate by lifting or pointing to objects whenever he needed something, a pattern that has continued throughout his life. When Dennis was three years old, he was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where fluid was drained from his ears. Unfortunately, this did not improve his condition. As he grew older, his mother enrolled him in school, but he consistently lagged behind his peers. Over the years, he adapted by relying on lip reading and sign language to communicate. Because of his hearing loss, he depends on watching his teachers' lips closely to follow lessons and understand what is being taught. Despite these challenges, Dennis performed well during his primary school years. However, the transition to secondary school has been much more difficult, as the academic demands have increased. On July 7th, Dennis will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help raising $1,171. The gift of hearing aids would significantly improve Dennis' ability to communicate, participate in class, and reach his full potential. His mother is appealing for support to make this life-changing intervention possible, giving Dennis the opportunity for a brighter and more independent future. "Sometimes when I read aloud in class or say certain words, the other children laugh at me. I want to hear better so I can read and speak with confidence," Dennis said quietly.

La Min is a 21-year-old young woman from Burma. She lives with her aunt in Bangkok, Thailand. She moved to Bangkok from her village in Karen State, Burma, in 2023 in search of better job opportunities. She worked as a waitress, but had to stop because of her health. La Min has a heart condition that requires replacement of two heart valves -the aortic and mitral valves - and repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, La Min experiences fatigue and a rapid heartbeat while walking even short distances, poor appetite, and chest pain. Even though she has lived with her condition almost all her life, she still experiences anxiety and stress during her episodes. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for this complex surgery. The treatment is scheduled to take place on April 10th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and have a more active and healthy life ahead. In the future, La Min hopes to continue to work in Bangkok and save enough money to return to her village in Burma. There she dreams of opening a restaurant and selling Thai food. She said, “When I lie down at night, I hear my rapid heartbeat and have trouble falling asleep. When I am very tired and experience heart palpitations, I worry that my heartbeat will stop suddenly. I want to know what the world is like without my heart disease.”

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana'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. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Mohamed is a cheerful and curious little boy from Ethiopia. At 11 months of age, he lives with his parents, older brother and twin sister in a small, rented house. His mother is a dedicated homemaker, while his father runs a small neighborhood shop, doing his best to support the family. The whole household buzzed with excitement as they awaited the arrival of the twins. However, soon after Mohamed’s birth, his parents discovered something unexpected. During a routine check before his planned circumcision, doctors found that one of Mohamed’s testicles had not descended into the scrotum. At first, his mother was shocked and chose not to proceed with the circumcision. The hospital where he was born advised her to wait until Mohamed was six months old, as the condition can sometimes resolve on its own within the first few months of life. When there was no change, she took him back for follow-up care at the local health center. The staff then referred them to a larger referral hospital, where another series of examinations and follow-ups ensued. Due to long waiting lists, the family had to wait for a phone call to inform them when it would be their turn for treatment. Three months later, that call finally came, informing them that Mohamed’s case had been referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Mohamed was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Mohamed has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Mohamed is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on April 7th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,073 to cover the total cost of Mohamed's procedure and care. Mohamed's mother said: "May Allah safeguard my child and grant him a successful recovery from the surgery. May He bless you all for your compassionate support."

Maligelita is a 42-year-old mother of six from Malawi who is married to a farmer. Before her illness, she worked as a tailor, using her skills to provide for her family and contribute to their daily needs. Six years ago, Maligelita noticed a small, painless swelling on her neck. Because it did not interfere with her daily life, she did not seek medical care at the time. As time passed, the swelling grew larger, and she began to experience pain when swallowing, tightness in her throat, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms gradually became so severe that she could no longer concentrate on her tailoring, causing her to step back from her business. In 2025, she was diagnosed with a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that support metabolism, growth, and other essential functions in the body. After experiencing episodes of choking at night, Maligelita returned to her local hospital and was recently referred to Partners in Hope Medical Center for urgent treatment. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is facilitating support to help Maligelita receive the care that she needs. Maligelita is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on March 10, which will cost $1,015. The surgery will hopefully help prevent further medical complications and allow her to return to her daily activities without worry. "I am very afraid. Kindly support me." said Maligelita worriedly.

Elizabeth is a business lady from Malawi. She is married and has one child aged 28. She runs a small grocery shop. For about one year, Elizabeth has been experiencing pain on the right side of her abdomen. She visited the hospital and received pain‑relieving medication. However, the pain persisted, accompanied by a sensation of abdominal fullness. Six months later, further assessments were carried out. Her condition has significantly affected her ability to run her business, resulting in reduced income that is barely enough for her upkeep. Her husband is unemployed and also depends entirely on her shop. Elizabeth was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, which are abnormal growths that develop in a woman’s uterus. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Elizabeth's surgery. On February 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Elizabeth will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Elizabeth shared, "I wish I could get better to get rid of my pains because I need to concentrate on my business."

Celestine is a 28-year-old single mother of one child, living in Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. She works as an informal teacher at a nearby primary school, under the Parents Teachers Association. Her income is KES 10,000 per month which she uses to support herself, her family and her child. Despite the challenges, she saves whenever possible and has a dream of one day she will be be formally employed, buy a cow and start practicing farming to improve her livelihood. For the past month, Celestine has been confined to a hospital bed. Her illness began after she slipped and injured her leg while crossing a river on her way home. Believing the injury to be minor, she did not seek urgent care and instead visited a nearby dispensary where her leg was dressed, and she was given some medications. Three days later, her leg became increasingly swollen and painful. She sought care at another facility, but as her condition worsened, she finally went to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, where she was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly progressive inflammatory infection that kills the body's soft tissues. Celestine was taken urgently to the theatre and underwent surgical debridement of the infected limb, and the procedure was successful. Postoperatively, she was managed in the ward with regular wound care and placed on a wound vacuum to promote healing. A further debridement was planned, and her wound has since become clean and suitable for definitive coverage with a flap and skin graft to allow proper healing and recovery. Unfortunately, Celestine's prolonged hospital stay has accumulated significant medical bills. Celestine is therefore seeking support to help her complete her treatment, regain her health, and return to caring for her child and rebuilding her life. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Celestine receive treatment. On January 6th, surgeons at their care center will perform a contracture release surgery and skin graft, to promote wound coverage and bring her closer to discharge. Now, Celestine needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Celestine says, "I thank God for bringing me this far, and I see that I am approaching full closure of my wound. My doctor and the team are dedicated to make sure that my wound is getting better. I am hopeful that this will bring me closer to healing. I look forward to getting better so that I go back to teaching."

Gift is nine years old and a fifth grader from Kenya. She is the third born in a family of four. She loves playing, singing, and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Gift was only two years old when her legs first started curving outward. As the severity of her condition became clearer, her father began a desperate search for answers. He took her from one hospital to another, hoping someone would explain what was happening. But every visit ended the same; doctors could not identify the cause or offer a solution. “At that time, I didn’t know how bad it could become,” her father said. Mbithi said. The hospital trips drained not only the family’s hope but also their finances. After many consultations, he was finally told that surgery was needed. Even though he wanted the best for his daughter, the cost of the treatment was far beyond what he could afford. Gift was diagnosed with genu varus, a misalignment of her knees, affecting the position of her legs and feet. As she grew older, her legs worsened, and every step became painful. Walking to school was a struggle, and sometimes her friends would run ahead, leaving her behind in tears. “It was heartbreaking to see Gift walking like that,” her father shared. Hope finally came when a friend told him about our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE International Hospital. There, Gift underwent surgery to correct her right leg, and the results brought great relief to her family. She is now back at the hospital for another surgery to correct her left leg, bringing her one step closer to walking without pain and living the life she dreams of. Gift is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Gift's procedure and care. Gift's father shared, “My prayer is that she gets well and has her legs straightened so she can live a normal life. After treatment, I hope she will continue with school and achieve her dreams in the future.”

Hlaing is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his mother and two nephews in Tak Province, Thailand. Originally from Kachin State, Burma, his family fled to Thailand due to the civil war in Burma. Hlaing is unemployed and attends a Thai language school. His mother manages household chores, while his nephews are high school students at a migrant school. The family’s only income comes from Hlaing’s sister, who lives elsewhere and works as a shop vendor, sending them money monthly. This amount is just enough to cover the family's daily expenses. On October 10, 2025, Hlaing had an accident while going to the market. A CT scan of his head revealed a minimal subdural hematoma and multiple facial bone fractures. He needs surgery to facilitate the healing of his facial bone fractures, including the right cheekbone and chin. Currently, Hlaing’s superficial abrasion wounds have healed well, and he can eat and sleep. However, due to the head injury and multiple facial fractures, he experiences pain and difficulty chewing solid foods. These challenges have left him feeling guilty and burdened by his family’s situation. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Hlaing will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for November 7th and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Hlaing be free from pain while eating and be able to eat properly again. Hlaing shared softly, “After fully recovering, I will find a job and save money to support my mother and my nephews.”