Dickson is a 35-year-old man from Kenya. He was born with cerebral palsy which has significantly affected his movement, posture, balance, and speech. Dickson cannot speak and is only able to communicate through smiling and his facial expressions. Due to his condition, he has never been able to walk or sit independently and he has required frequent hospital visits. He was abandoned at the hospital at birth and was taken in by a charitable organization until 2022. He was then moved to a rescue home where he currently lives. Two years ago, Dickson began to experience troubling symptoms, including twisted bowels and a dead colon, resulting from limited blood supply to his large intestines. This blockage caused parts of his intestines to twist, leading to tissue death. He underwent surgery to remove the dead colon but has needed a colostomy bag since for excretion. The caregivers at the rescue center have mentioned that colostomy bags are costly and must be replaced frequently to prevent infections. Dickson was diagnosed with post sigmoid colectomy and now requires a curative laparotomy, to restore normal function to his large intestines and allow him to excrete normally. The only family Dickson knows are the caregivers at the rescue center, but they cannot afford the surgery. The rescue center where Dickson stays is home to over 600 vulnerable children and adults. The caregivers rely on the support of well-wishers to meet their needs, and the cost of medical expenses significantly impacts their funding. The caregivers are requesting assistance to help cover the cost of Dickson’s surgery, ease his pain, and give him a chance for a better quality of life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund Dickson's surgery. On November 25th, he will undergo surgery that will improve his quality of life. Dickson's caregiver says, "Dickson is a happy and positive person. Although he cannot speak, he brings a positive energy to everyone around him."

Choem is a 66-year-old retired rice farmer who needs cataract surgery to restore the vision in his left eye. He is married and has one daughter, five sons, and 15 grandchildren. One of his favorite ways to spend his time is going to the pagoda with his wife and joining the ceremonies. One year ago, Choem developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience light sensitivity, eye tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when out walking on his own. When Choem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled there hoping for treatment. On July 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Choem says, "I hope my eye can see clearly again so I can recognize my family's faces and have more independence when I am out."

Prince is a 5-year-old and the youngest of three children. His father works at a construction site to help provide income for his family. In early February, Prince was on the school bus when the bus ran into a nearby shop. Prince was trapped between seats and became injured. He was rushed to a nearby health facility for first aid and underwent surgery. Two weeks later, he was referred to our medical partner's care center Kijabe Hospital for review. Prince then underwent a debridement and skin graft procedure in mid-February. Currently, Prince cannot walk and attend school, which is affecting his ability to move up in grades this year. Prince’s first two surgeries were paid for using his parent’s medical coverage, but the medical insurer turned down the current request for the surgery Prince needs to heal. Prince’s family shared that their trips to the hospital have exhausted their savings. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Prince receive treatment. On May 25th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure. This surgery will address any risks of infection so that Prince’s leg can heal and he can walk again and resume his studies. AMH is requesting $1,185 to help to fund this procedure. Prince’s father said, “Prince has missed school since February. He was supposed to graduate to grade one, but due to the injuries, he did not. He needs this surgery so that he can be able to walk again.”

Bryson is a bright 4-year-old child. He's is a happy, charming, and talkative boy. He is the first child of his parents who live in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Bryson’s father works as a motorcycle taxi driver. Bryson has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Bryson has been experiencing headaches, fever, and mild seizures. Without treatment, Bryson will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,300 to cover the cost of surgery for Bryson that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 17th and will drain the excess fluid from Bryson's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Bryson will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Bryson’s father says, “I wish for my son to be well again and resume school. He was doing very well in school but now seems to be a bit forgetful and unable to walk properly. Please help us.”

Hermelinda is a 16-month-old girl from Guatemala, but she is only the size of a healthy eight-month-old. Her parents cannot afford to give her the calories, protein, and nutrients she needs to grow. She also experiences frequent illness. Hermelinda has been diagnosed with acute malnutrition. She has little energy to grow, and her immune system is weak and vulnerable to illness. She is also at risk of chronic disease and delayed development. Fortunately, she began malnutrition treatment on November 24, 2016. Hermelinda loves to play with her stuffed animals. She lives with her family in a one-room tin house. Her father works as a day laborer, harvesting crops on a local plantation. Her mother raises chickens, cooks for the family, and takes care of Hermelinda. Unfortunately, her parents cannot afford this $512 treatment. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation will help Hermelinda recover. She will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children her age, and her immune system will grow stronger. Community health workers will teach her mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet from limited resources. Treatment will give Hermelinda a chance to grow healthy and strong. "I appreciate the support that my daughter is going to receive," says Hermelinda's mother. "I hope to learn a lot about nutrition during our time in the program."