Michael is a day laborer from Kenya. He is the only child to his single mother. He works as a mechanic. On January 20, Michael was involved in a motorbike accident. He sustained a closed fracture of his left clavicle bone and bruises on his face. He is in pain and is not able to use his left hand easily. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 28, Michael will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $998 to fund this procedure. “I am still young and was hoping to have my own family soon. I kindly seek for help so that I can get back to my work and plan to have my own family,” says Michael.

Fridah is a young woman from Kenya. She is the eldest of three children. Fridah has clubfoot of her right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Fridah traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on January 28. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,224 to fund Fridah's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be ale to walk easily. Fridah says, “I am praying to God that I can undergo surgery and resume my normal life and studies without pain.”

Nhem is a 65-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has four grandchildren and likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio in her free time. One year ago, Nhem developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Nhem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 7, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $398 procedure. She says, "I hope that my eye surgery is successful so I am able to see everything clearly, go back to my work, walk around the village, and ride my bicycle independently. I hope to plant some crops like bananas and coconuts to sell in order to support my family."

Brian is a baby from Kenya. The family lives in Makulani village in the Eastern region of Kenya. Brian has been diagnosed with encephalocoele, a type of neural tube defect in which brain tissues and overlying membranes protrude through openings in the skull. Encephalocoele usually results from a failure of the neural tube to completely close during fetal development. Without treatment, Brian is at risk of developmental delays, brain damage, or premature death. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $929 to fund encephalocoele repair surgery for Brian. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 7. Hopefully, the repair of this condition will allow Brian to grow up healthy. “I hope he gets treated,” says Brian’s mother.

Henry is a fifth grade student from Kenya. When Henry was eight years old, his mother went to Saudi Arabia and did not return. He has been living with his grandmother, who operates a small pub. He aspires to be an engineer. Henry was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, Henry is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on July 6. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $700 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. “I want to be an engineer when I grow up,” he says.

Saturday is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is married and a father of four adult children. His two daughters are married, while his sons are self-employed. Saturday and his wife practice farming to meet their basic needs. For six years, Saturday has had a growing mass on his right shoulder. It is painful and has affected his ability to work on his farm. Saturday traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On April 5, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Saturday needs help to raise $187 to fund this procedure. Saturday says, “I hope to get better after surgery and I continue with cultivation.”

Hoeum is a father of three from Cambodia. He has two sons and one daughter. He loves to watch boxing matches and news programs on TV. One year ago, Hoeum developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia, itching, and blurred vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Hoeum learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On February 5, doctors will perform phacoemulsification and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $211 procedure. He says, "I hope my eyesight improves after the surgery so that I can continue my job as taxi driver to support my family."

Ye is a 15-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his younger sister, brother, and mother in Yangon Division. Ye was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, he experiences chest pain and fatigue. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Ye. The treatment is scheduled to take place on January 17 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. “If I feel better after surgery, I will go back to school to continue my education. I want to become an educated man one day," says Ye.