Netsanet is a 28-year-old hardworking woman from Ethiopia who supports her seven brothers and sisters. This responsibility led her to work far from home as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia for two years, with a goal of opening up a business when she returned home. However, this did not go as planned, as she had to send her salary back home every month to care for the family, leaving very little in terms of savings. When she returned home seven months ago, Netsanet secured a new job as a salesperson in a cosmetics shop. Two months ago, she started experiencing uncomfortable symptoms like heavy bleeding, bloating, and increasing pain. The symptoms got worse with time, and she was unable to continue working. Netsanet went to the hospital and was diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. She needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Fortunately, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, can help. Netsanet is scheduled to undergo surgery on April 9th, and she needs help raising $1,050 to fund her surgery and care. Netsanet says, "I hope to return to work and find my strength again. I wish to be the independent person I’ve always been, someone who can stand on my own two feet and provide for my family’s needs without any limits."

Sokny is a 61-year-old woman from Cambodia who lives with her sister and niece. She is not married and her family relies on one another for support. Her sister, now 80 years old, also requires care, and her niece does what she can to help support the household. Despite their combined efforts, they face ongoing financial hardship and daily challenges. In her free time, Sokny find comfort in listening to monks pray. About ten years ago, Sokny noticed a cyst on her neck. It has grown over time and now experiences ongoing pain and discomfort. She did not seek treatment earlier due to financial constraints, but now it has become a constant burden in her daily life. Sokny traveled to our medical partner's care center for evaluation. On March 18th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Sokny needs help to raise $319 to cover the cost of this procedure. She said, “I have lived with this growing pain for ten years, and all I hope for now is a chance to be treated and live without suffering.”

Yonatan is a lively six-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives in a close-knit family of four. Yonatan is growing up alongside his brother in a home filled with love, supported by his hardworking father, who drives a taxi, and his caring mother, who stays home to look after the boys. While Yonatan's father spends long, tiring hours on the road to provide for everyone, the boy’s happy childhood has been interrupted by a difficult health battle. Because of chronic tonsillitis, he is stuck in a stressful loop of recurring pain and constant trips to the hospital, which keep him away from the fun and games he loves. Two years ago, Yonatan had been experiencing fever, recurring sore throats, and difficulty swallowing. Because his high fevers and sharp throat pain kept coming back, even the simplest parts of his day have become incredibly hard. Sitting down for a family dinner is no longer fun. Instead, every bite of food is a painful struggle that leaves Yonatan exhausted. Even at night, when he should be resting, the discomfort keeps him awake and tossing and turning. This constant battle leaves Yonatan feeling so weak and drained that he just can’t find the strength to run, jump, or keep up with his brother like he used to. Yonatan was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is able to help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Yonatan, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Yonatan of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. "In our home, we are all counting down the days until Yonatan feels like himself again. What we are most excited about is seeing him enjoy his favorite snacks without that sharp, burning pain every time he tries to swallow. We miss seeing Yonatan full of life, and we can’t wait for him to finally have the strength to run around and keep up with his brother during playtime. For our family, seeing him healthy and active again will be the greatest gift of all," said Yonatan's parents.

Jeronimo is a little boy from Colombia. He lives in Támesis, Antioquia, with his parents. He is curious and intelligent, full of dreams and eager to get ahead. Jeronimo was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Jeronimo has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Knowing of these future complications has been difficult for Jeronimo's family, especially given their financial circumstances. The opportunity to receive care would represent an immense blessing for their family and new hope for Jeronimo's future. Fortunately, Jeronimo will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 24th. Clinica Noel is requesting $1,167 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. His parents shared that they hope treatment will significantly transform Jeronimo's quality of life. Jeronimo's mother expresses her gratitude for the support, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every person who has supported my son. Your generous gesture goes far beyond material help; it is a sign of selfless love, faith in dreams, and light at a time when we urgently needed it. I cannot thank you enough. This surgery, which we have waited so long for, represents a great blessing and new hope for Jeronimo's health. After receiving this treatment, what we most desire is his speedy recovery, well-being, and a full life. We trust that God will bless you abundantly for this beautiful work and for the positive impact you have had on our lives."

Rayvan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania and the middle child in his family of three. His parents practice small-scale farming, growing primarily maize and cassava, to meet their family's needs. Rayvan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Shortly after he started walking, his legs began bowing. Several factors can cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. For Rayvan, this condition has made him less active and affected his confidence. On January 16th, Rayvan will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. This treatment will restore his mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund Rayvan's treatment. Rayan's mother said, "I hope that one day Rayvan won't even remember that he had this conditon making it hard for him to walk properly."

Recho is a 26-year-old woman from Kenya. She has a long history of epilepsy, diagnosed when she was much younger. Her condition disrupted her education and ability to work despite early academic promise and later vocational training in tailoring. She lives with her single mother and younger siblings, who are deeply supportive and assist her with daily activities and hospital visits. She enjoys helping with household tasks such as washing utensils and clothes, and she often speaks with humor and optimism about her daily life. In December 2025, Recho suffered a seizure while carrying hot tea to her siblings, resulting in serious burns to her chest and hand and a prolonged hospital stay requiring ongoing wound care and a planned skin graft. The extended treatment has placed a heavy financial burden on her family, prompting a request for assistance with medical expenses. Fortunately, on January 7th, Recho will undergo a skin graft procedure with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She needs help to raise $1,183 to fund her procedure and care. Recho says, "I have been in the ward for a long time, and my hope is go home and be with my family members. I miss my sisters and my family."

Vichea is a 13-year-old ninth grader from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and three siblings in Preah Sihanouk province, near the sea. His older brother is a hairdresser, his older sister runs a small coffee shop, and his youngest sister is in 6th grade. Their parents sell groceries from a small shop in the town to support the family. Vichea enjoys math class, building model cars, and hopes to become a jeweler when he grows up. His favorite food is lemongrass sour soup. Vichea was diagnosed with genu valgus, a natural condition that caused both of his legs to curve inward. He previously underwent surgery at our medical partner's care center, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), where doctors placed metal plates in his femur and tibia to straighten his legs and help correct the position of his legs. Although the first surgery successfully aligned his legs, Vichea still feels some pain while walking due to the metal plates. Fortunately, surgeons at CSC can help. On November 10th, Vichea will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. This follow-up surgery will remove the plates, helping him feel comfortable when walking and allowing him to move freely without pain or stiffness. Vichea’s mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will feel comfortable when he is walking and can play more easily with his friends."

Aun is a 52-year-old working father from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and youngest daughter, who attends university in the city. His oldest daughter is married and visits often with her family. Before his hip pain, Aun enjoyed exercising in the park and riding his bicycle. Since 2022, Aun has had difficulty walking due to pain in his right hip. He now relies on crutches, which has affected his work and his daily activities. He is unable to stand for long periods of time and wakes up at night from the pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 10th, Aun will undergo a hip replacement procedure, which will relieve his pain and improve his mobility, allowing him to work and take care of his family. Aun and his family can contribute $100 toward the cost, but need help raising $1,400 more. Aun shared, “After the surgery, I hope that I can walk without crutches and feel better at work."

Leah is 39 years old and a small-scale farmer from Kenya. She and her husband are poultry farmers. One month ago, Leah began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe backaches and abdominal pain. She was initially treated with medication, but her condition worsened. As the pain persisted and her abdomen became swollen, scans revealed a perforated intestine, requiring emergency surgery. Despite the procedure, Leah continued to experience intense abdominal pain and had to undergo a second surgery during which a portion of her intestine was removed to aid her recovery. Subsequent scans have now revealed fluid buildup in her pelvic area, leaving her in severe pain and unable to heal properly. She was diagnosed with an acute abdomen, and doctors recommended a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat her condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund Leah's surgery. On February 3rd, she will undergo surgery, which will, hopefully, greatly improve her quality of life. Leah says, "I haven't been able to move from this bed. I am exhausted, and my stomach is swollen and in pain."

Visal is a 25-year-old former factory worker from Cambodia. He lives in Kompong Speu province with his elderly parents, who are rice farmers. He used to work in a garment factory, but has taken time off to deal with various health issues. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news and checking his social media. Three years ago, Visal had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum. For this reason, Visal experiences ear discharge, pain, tinnitus, and intermittent hearing loss. These symptoms make it difficult for him to hear what others say, affecting his communication and confidence. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 2nd, Visal will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Visal can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $427 more to fund his procedure and care. Visal shared, "I hope that I can have surgery so I can hear more clearly and not have pain and symptoms anymore."

Dita is an 11-year-old bright boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys studying and spending time with his family. He also loves playing football with his siblings and friends. His father is a farmer who occasionally works as a day laborer, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker. Dita was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Dita is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 3rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Dita's father expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for the services you provide us. May God bless you. I hope my child will become as healthy as my other children."