Tasmiya is a bright, curious five-year-old girl from India. Tasmiya's father works in the carpet industry; her mother is a homemaker. Her favourite fruit is mango, and like any child her age, she wants to run, play, and go to school with her friends. She is the second of four daughters, and her father describes her as a girl who loves to study. Her face lit up whenever school was mentioned, but her injury made it difficult for her to continue her education. About a year ago, Tasmiya was playing with a friend when she accidentally fell into hot water, causing severe scald burns. The burns covered a large area of her chest, affecting both sides, including tissue near her breasts and chest wall, as well as her right thigh. As the burns healed, they left thick, raised scarring across her chest and thigh, and most disabling of all, a scar contracture at her right elbow that has pulled the joint out of its normal position. The contracture in the right elbow has left her unable to fully extend or use her arm normally. Simple daily tasks like writing, dressing, and carrying a school bag are difficult for her right now. Tasmiya has not been able to go to school or continue her education, something her father says weighs on her, since she loves learning. As she grows, the scarring on her chest also carries the risk of restricting normal development if left untreated. Tasmiya's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On September 2nd, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery. This will release the contracture and help restore use of her arm, allowing her to write and carry a school bag, dress herself, and do everyday things other five-year-olds do without a second thought. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Tasmiya's father shared, "I am happy that she will have her surgery done, and I am confident because my neighbour, who had severe contractures, was treated here and is fully healed. I have full faith in Tasmiya's recovery."

Ulemu is a friendly 11-year-old boy, the firstborn of two children from Malawi. The family lives in a small, single-room mud-built house with a thatched roof. His mother earns a living by selling tomatoes from a small bench outside their home, and the family depends largely on this income to meet their daily needs. Ulemu's mother shared that he has been experiencing pain that often starts in his groin area, and travels up towards his abdomen, around the navel. She noticed that the pain is particularly severe during cold weather. She took him to the referral hospital several times in search of medical help, but unfortunately the surgery list was always long, and he has not been able to receive the surgery he needed. After hearing from several friends that Nkhoma Hospital was providing surgical services, she decided to bring him there. Getting to Nkhoma was not easy for the family. Because of their limited resources, even finding transport was a challenge. The journey took around five hours, and during the trip, his mother had to carry Ulemu on her lap at times. At Nkhoma Hospital, Ulemu was assessed and diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. Doctors explained that he would need surgery to correct the condition. For Ulemu's mother, finally receiving a diagnosis brought some relief, but learning about the cost of treatment brought another worry. The family could not afford the surgery fees. Ulemu's illness has also affected his education. For a boy who has recently completed his primary school examinations, his mother hopes that treatment will allow him to continue with his education without the interruptions caused by pain. Fortunately, Ulemu is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Ulemu's hernia repair surgery. The procedure will take place on August 13th and, once completed, will provide Ulemu relief from the pain that has affected his childhood and education. Ulemu's mother said, “I want my son to receive the help he needs, so that he can be well again and continue with his education.”

Maria Fernanda is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. She is a sweet, kind-hearted girl full of dreams who enjoys spending time with others and leaves a special impression on everyone she meets. Her optimistic spirit and her ability to face challenges with courage are an inspiration to her family and to those who accompany her on her journey. Three years ago, Maria Fernanda was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild tenderness or discomfort around the navel, which becomes more noticeable when the child cries, coughs, or exerts himself. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. On October 20th, Maria Fernanda will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Maria Fernanda's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably. Maria Fernanda's mother said, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who are supporting her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally; that gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God abundantly bless your life and that of your family. Your support not only helps us meet a medical need but also restores our hope and peace of mind, knowing that María Fernanda will be able to receive the care she needs. We will always be grateful for this act of love and solidarity."

Khirika is an eight-year-old 3rd-grade student from Cambodia. She lives with her parents and siblings in Banteay Mean Chey province. Her father runs a coffee shop, while her mother sells clothes. She enjoys studying Khmer, playing with balls and toys with her siblings, and hopes to become a nurse in the future. For the past year, Khirika has been experiencing a cough, an itchy throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing, loud snoring at night, and repeated episodes of pharyngitis. Her frequent throat infections and breathing difficulties can make eating and sleeping uncomfortable, while the repeated episodes of illness affect her ability to enjoy her normal activities. Khirika was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Khirika, which is scheduled to take place on September 3rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Khirika of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Khirika's mother said, “I hope the surgery will help my daughter breathe and swallow more easily and reduce her frequent throat infections. I want her to sleep peacefully without so much snoring and grow up healthy and active.”

Andrés is 13 years old and a student from Colombia. He dreams of becoming a soldier when he grows up. He shows a special interest and talent for soccer and other sports activities that he thoroughly enjoys and that contribute to the development of his skills, build his confidence, and support his overall growth. Two years ago, Andrés was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. It causes discomfort that prevents one from carrying out daily activities such as playing, jumping, and running. Fortunately, on October 20th, Andrés will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Andrés's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Andrés's mother shared, "Receiving the news that it is now possible for Andrés to have the surgery has been deeply moving for us. Thank you for giving Andrés the chance to receive the care he needs and for restoring our hope at such a crucial moment. We receive this news with hearts full of gratitude and with the hope of seeing Andrés move toward a healthier future full of possibilities."

Cristopher is a 12-year-old boy from Colombia. He has big aspirations and a deep determination to achieve them. Cristopher dreams of becoming an architect when he grows up. He’s passionate about imagining and thinking about everything he’ll one day be able to build. Since he was two months old, Cristopher has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on October 20th, Cristopher will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He needs help raising $1,005 to fund his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Cristopher's mother shared, "To the people who will make Cristopher’s surgery possible, we want to express our most sincere gratitude. Thank you for opening your heart and offering such a precious opportunity. May God multiply every act of kindness you perform and fill your life and that of your family with health, well-being, and blessings. Your support means the world to us, because behind this help is a dreamer, a smart, hopeful child who will be able to move forward and get closer and closer to his goals. As his mom, it fills me with pride to see him dream and believe that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to."