Baraka is a very active and jovial 7-year-old boy. Baraka and his twin brother are the only children in the family. His parents separated when they were still young babies and left them under the care of their grandmother. When Baraka was 1 year old, his grandmother noticed that she could not feel both of his testes. She took Baraka to the hospital where he was examined and diagnosed with bilateral undescended testes. Due to lack of finances, she went home and never returned to the hospital. A few weeks ago, a friend referred her to a medical camp that was visiting the neighborhood. She rushed Baraka to the clinic, he was examined and referred to BethanyKids Hospital. Upon arrival, he was examined again and booked for the surgery he needs. Baraka's grandmother does casual laundry work or any house chores she comes across to raise a living for her grandchildren; their parents are out of reach and do not support them financially. She can not raise the required amount of money to cater for Baraka’s hospital bill and is seeking financial aid. Baraka was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Baraka has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Baraka will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 16th. AMHF is requesting $646 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Baraka’s grandmother says, “It is very difficult for me to even provide for them as work is hard to come by. Any help offered to us will be highly appreciated.”

Allan is a 4-month-old baby and the second born in a family of two children. Allan’s mother is a homemaker, while his father works as a boda-boda taxi driver. Their family lives in a 2-room rental house and shared that they do not currently have any insurance coverage and cannot cover the costs of the procedure that Allan needs. Allan is experiencing a left inguinal hernia, which requires surgery to address the risk of complications. Without treatment, there is a risk that the hernia can become stuck or block blood flow to the intestine. Fortunately, on November 24th, Allan will undergo repair surgery at the hospital of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). AMH is requesting $585 to fund Allan’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably. Allan’s mother shared, “Our baby is small and already having several hospital visits. If not treated, this will affect his life even in the future.”

Vanna is a 68-year-old farmer with three sons and two grandchildren. Vanna lives with her husband who is also a farmer. She likes to listen to the news on the radio. Three years ago, Vanna developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for five and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 23rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and will place an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Vanna says, "I hope my eye can see clearly after surgery. I want to go to the rice field with my husband again and plant some vegetables around my house for extra income."

Chron is a 58-year-old rice farmer. He has two daughters, three sons, and three grandchildren. Chron lives with his wife who is also a farmer and their youngest daughter who is in school. Chron also goes fishing at times to earn extra income for their family. Three years ago, Chron developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision, photophobia, and itchiness. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and now going places outside. When Chron learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 27th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and will place an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Chron says, "I hope my eye can see clearly after surgery so I can go back to the rice field to help my wife and go fishing again."