Meet 66-year-old Mahamud, a father of eight from Kenya. “In 2008, Mahamud’s neighbors were attacked by robbers while in their home,” reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Hearing their screams, people from the neighborhood rushed to their aid. Among them was Mahamud.” “As they drove out the thieves, Mahamud sustained severe cuts and an injury to his right arm. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was informed that his right hand was in need of surgery,” continues AMHF. “Mahamud didn’t have the money required to get surgery. He has been in and out of different hospitals, one in which he was mismanaged.” Mahamud’s injuries have resulted in severe pain and an inability to use his right hand, harming Mahamud’s ability to provide for his family. “He has a camel named George that he uses to give tourists rides on the beach for a fee. Before Mahamud got hurt, he had 15 camels,” explains AMHF. “His trips to the hospital have left him with only one camel. His sons help him with business because he cannot use his hand to work.” For $1410, Mahamud will receive an open reduction and internal fixation surgery that will realign his severe fracture, and place an internal fixation device on the bone. This cost covers the procedure, hospital stay, medication, follow-up lab work, imaging, and physiotherapy. “This treatment will enable him to get back to work to support his family,” says AMHF. Mahamud hopes to return to his daily life as soon as possible. “I can work! I love my business and I love my camel George,” he tells us. “Once my hand is healed, I shall go back to being active in my business. Maybe I shall be able to get more camels.”

Meet Joshua! Joshua is a fourteen-year-old boy who lives in Tanzania. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, describes him as “very shy... but he always has a smile on his face.” Joshua’s father died years ago, and as the second oldest in a family of six children, it’s up to him to look after his mother’s cattle. The cattle are his family’s primary source of income, and he feels that he is contributing the most to his family by herding cattle rather than attending school. Joshua has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgum, a physical condition in which the knees curve inwards. Right now, Joshua is unable to walk without knocking his knees, affecting his gait and ability to walk or run. If left untreated, Joshua risks developing early osteoarthritis. For $940, we can help cover the three surgeries that Joshua needs, along with two weeks of hospital stay and medication. “I feel pain on my knees especially after walking a long distance. I don’t want to fail helping my mom herd cattle; so I hope that my legs can be straightened so that I can walk properly,” Joshua shares.

"Sherlande lives on a small farm in the mountains of southwestern Haiti with her parents, brothers, and sisters," the Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA) tells us about this 14-year-old girl. "She enjoys going to school, and when she has the energy she likes to help her family tend to their animals." "Sherlande was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole between the aorta and the pulmonary artery which normally closes naturally when a child is born, instead remains open," HCA writes. Health City Cayman Islands has stepped up to help Sherlande have the surgery she needs to close up the hole in her heart. They have provided $5,000 to cover the cost of the surgery, but she's still short $1,500 for surgical preparation and transport overseas. "Following closure of the hole, Sherlande should be able to lead a normal life with no cardiac symptoms," HCA tells us. "I have been bothered by my heart for many, many years," says Sherlande. "I'm looking forward to being a normal girl like my friends!" Let's come together and cover the remaining $1,500 needed for Sherlande's treatment - including prep and overseas transport - so she can continue to enjoy doing all of the things she loves to do.