Sethika is a nine-month-old girl from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She lives with her grandparents as her mother works as a cashier, and her father is a truck deliveryman in Kampong Speu province. Sethika is an only child who enjoys watching cartoons, drinking milk, and eating rice porridge. Sethika was born with a congenital condition called an amniotic band on her right ankle. This occurs when a fibrous band of tissue from the amniotic sac wraps around a developing fetus's limb during pregnancy. This condition caused a ring-like constriction around her right ankle, which, if left untreated, could restrict blood flow, impair growth, or affect her ability to walk as she grows. On December 19th, Sethika will undergo an amniotic band release surgery. Surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the constriction and ensure proper growth and movement in her ankle. Her family has contributed $100 toward the procedure but needs additional support to cover the remaining $387. Sethika's mother shared, "I hope she can have surgery so she will be able to walk more easily as she grows up."

Alison is an eight-year-old boy from Kenya. Born as a twin, he and his brother shared early milestones together until they were two years old. Alison’s brother began to speak, but Alison did not. His mother hoped he would catch up in time, but even now, at eight, Alison still cannot speak. When it was time to join school, Alison was unable to communicate and was not allowed to join school, while his twin went to class. This left him at home, longing for connection and learning. Alison comes from a family facing tough challenges. His parents have separated due to difficult circumstances, and his mother, battling mental health challenges, has been unable to provide the care he needs. Recently, Alison’s grandfather brought him to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where it was discovered that he had significant hearing loss and can barely hear any sounds. Despite his grandfather’s best efforts to raise funds for hearing aids, he has been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, due to health issues, he cannot work, and Alison's grandmother is the family's sole supporter, selling vegetables on the roadside to make ends meet. The family is really hopeful for the day Alison will get the chance to hear, to speak, and to finally attend school with his peers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Alison receive treatment. On January 9th, he will be fitted with hearing aids to restore his hearing, providing him a better opportunity to interact like children his age. Now, Alison's family needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. Alison’s grandfather says, "Alison loves interacting with other children, but he often feels left out while his friends go to school without him."

Rachelle is a 35-year-old woman from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where she lives with her husband. Although she is not currently employed, she hopes to resume her career as an accountant in the future. Rachelle has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. This condition resulted from an infection earlier in her life that severely damaged one of the four valves in her heart. The damaged valve is unable to pump blood effectively through her body, leaving her weak and struggling with shortness of breath. Rachelle will be traveling to the United States for life-saving treatment. On December 6th, she is scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery at Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, where surgeons will implant an artificial valve to replace her damaged one. Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital is contributing $28,000 to cover the cost of the surgery. However, her family also needs support to cover additional costs associated with surgery preparation. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund lab tests, medications, check-ups, and follow-up appointments. This amount also helps with securing travel documents for Rachelle’s family and covers travel expenses for social workers who will accompany her family overseas. Rachelle shares, “I am very thankful to everyone who is making the surgery possible for me. I could never manage to have surgery without you!”

Grace is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She has one child who is in primary 3. Sadly, her other child died after a road accident last year. Growing up, Grace enjoyed school and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. However, her eyesight deteriorated and affected her schooling, forcing her to drop out of school. Her husband is a bodaboda motorcycle taxi driver. Grace is pregnant and her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Grace undergo a C-Section on December 4th. This procedure will cost $252, and Grace needs your support. Grace says, “Losing my son last year really broke my heart. He had been delivered by surgery and it forced us to sell everything at home to come out of the hospital. This pregnancy came as a miracle; however, I have had the fear of staying at the hospital because I have no money for my surgery. I will surely need your support for the success of my delivery.”

Vanna is a 45-year-old tuk-tuk driver who lives in Kampong Cham province with his wife, one son and one daughter. They all live together in a small rented room in town. His son is a construction worker, and his wife and daughter are cleaners in a restaurant. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music. Vanna suffers from diabetes and has had problems with diabetic retinopathy - a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). About three months ago, the retina of Vanna's right eye detached, causing him to have small dark spots that float across his vision, flashes of light in his eye and partial blindness. When Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled there hoping for treatment. On October 8th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly again. Now, he needs help raising $599 to fund his medical care. Vanna shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see well again. And, I can drive my tuk-tuk well again."

Joseph is a nine-year-old boy and the youngest of three children. Both his parents are domestic workers who work hard to provide for their children. On December 2nd, 2024, Joseph attended a children’s service at their local church and went to play with his friends. While climbing a tree, he missed a step and fell, landing on his right hand. He lost consciousness for several minutes until nearby adults spotted him and quickly contacted his parents. Joseph was rushed to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where scans revealed that his bones were broken and would require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery to heal properly. The news of his accident has left his family in shock. To raise money for the surgery, his parents have reached out to friends and family, but their attempts have been unsuccessful. Without insurance to cover the medical costs, Joseph is still in pain and relying on painkillers to manage his suffering. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On December 5th, Joseph will undergo a fracture repair procedure that will relieve him of the pain and help him use his hand easily again Now, he needs your help to raise $1,500 to fund this procedure. Joseph says, "I'm so tired from sleeping on my left side all the time. I have to lift my right hand, and I can't lie on it."

Daw Khin is a 60-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband in Tak Province, Thailand. They moved to Thailand in search of better job opportunities. Currently, she is a street vendor selling onions and her husband is a homemaker. Her monthly income is just enough for their monthly expenses. In the future, she wants to open a shop selling Mohinga, a type of Burmese soup. Since 2021, Daw Khin has been experiencing a sensation of her uterus bulging, lower back pain, and discomfort when sitting, standing or passing urine. She has been diagnosed with uterine prolapse, and advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Daw Khin's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Daw Khin is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on November 26th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, She will no longer experience any discomfort or pain. Daw Khin said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to BCMF and the generous donors. Your support means the world to me, and thanks to you, I am receiving treatment that I could never afford on my own. You are truly saving my life.”

Damaris is a joyful four-year-old girl from Mitume village in Kitale, Kenya. She is the youngest of six children in the family. Her mother runs a small kiosk, where she sells vegetables and other items, while her father works as a mechanic in the village. Despite the challenges at birth, Damaris has always been full of life and energy. "When I gave birth to my lovely daughter, I was shocked to see that she had multiple conditions: bilateral clubfoot and spina bifida. If it wasn’t for the doctors’ intervention and their encouragement about the condition, I would have given up," her mother recalls. Damaris has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Born with bilateral clubfoot and spina bifida, Damaris has faced several medical hurdles from the start. She underwent surgery to correct the spina bifida, a condition that affects the spine, and now, she is receiving further treatment for her clubfoot. Fortunately, Damaris visited our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on October 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, requests $1,286 to fund Damaris's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to play with her friends and enroll in school. “I pray that my daughter’s feet will be corrected; she will walk well and enroll in school just like other children,” Damaris's mother told us.

Princess is a two-year-old girl from Uganda. She enjoys playing with her peers and is very active during playtime. Her mother is a farmer, and her father is a local builder. Princess has a younger sibling who is only nine months old. Several months ago, Princess's mother noticed a painless swelling near her daughter's right eye, which has progressively increased in size. Concerned, her parents brought Princess to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital, where a non-tender mass was found on the right lateral peri-orbital area. Surgeons have recommended mass excision surgery, but her parents cannot afford the cost. If left untreated, the swelling could become painful and may even affect her vision. Surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help Princess. On January 15th, Princess will undergo surgery to remove the mass. However, she needs help raising $145 to cover the procedure’s cost. Princess's father expressed, “My daughter is not well, and her condition could worsen if not treated. I believe that once she recovers, she will be able to go to school when she is ready and have a bright future.”

Miriam is a sociable four-year-old girl from Arusha Tanzania, the first born child in a family of two children. Miriam's father works casual day jobs to earn a living, while the mother is a homemaker. Despite financial challenges due to limited income, the parents work diligently to ensure their family's well-being. Miriam was brought to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, by her mother following a burn incident she experienced in May 2023. A pot of boiling beans tipped off and the hot water spilled on Miriam, causing burn injuries. She was first taken to a nearby healthcare center for wound care, and it took a month for her wounds to heal. During the healing process, her skin developed a burn contracture on her elbow, which was left untreated as the health center did not have the capacity to handle such cases, and the family did not have the financial resources to seek treatment in a larger institution. Sometime later, Miriam's mother met one of Kafika House's staff members who advised her to go to the facility for an assessment, with hope for treatment, as the condition was already limiting Miriam's ability to perform her daily activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Miriam receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On April 2nd, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore the functionality of her hand. Now, she needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Miriam’s mother says: “Please help my daughter get this treatment. I hope she will grow up with her arm fully functional.”

Keisha is a 5-month-old baby girl from Haiti. She is the first child of her parents. Keisha has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid - the fluid which surrounds the brain - accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. The accumulation of fluid has caused Keisha’s head to expand beyond a normal range. Without treatment, Keisha will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Keisha is scheduled for surgery to put a flexible plastic tube called a shunt in her brain to redirect the cerebrospinal fluid into another part of her body. Draining the excess fluid from Keisha’s brain will reduce the pressure and greatly improve the quality of her life. With proper treatment, Keisha will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Keisha is scheduled for surgery on December 8th at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only site in the country where this care is currently available. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of surgery. Her family is grateful Keisha is able to have surgery to prevent long-term damage to her brain.

Noelanie is a playful preschooler from Haiti who loves music and dancing. She lives with her parents and two older siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; Noelanie has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels near her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. The care Noelanie needs is not available within Haiti so she will travel to the United States to receive treatment. On February 9th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a device attached to the end of a catheter to fill the hole. Another organization, Gift of Life New York, is contributing $4000 towards her surgery. Noelanie's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep, travel, and follow up medical care. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Noelanie's family overseas. Noelanie's mother says, "Our family has been praying for years that Noelanie's heart would be fixed one day, and we are so happy to know it is happening."