Abdara is a sweet four-month-old Venezuelan girl who was born in Colombia. Abdara's mother moved to Medellin, Colombia around four years ago in search of a better life. Abdara lives with her mother and her four aunts. Abdara's Aunt Gabriela is the sole provider for their family and she works hard to meet all of their daily needs. Abdara has been diagnosed with cereberal cysts that need to be removed. Fortunately, she will undergo surgery on July 13th and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is raising $785 to fund Abdara's medical care. Her mother shared, "Please help my little princess. I just hope she has a better future than I. Everyday I pray for a miracle, not being able to pay for her treatment is always in my mind. I feel guilty but then I remember that I'm trying my best and continue fighting in this new country to work and move forward."

Boti is a 3-year-old toddler who enjoys playing with toys with his friends around the house, drawing pictures, and going to the market with his mother. His favorite meal is fresh milk and porridge. Boti was born with polydactyly of both hands. This means that he has an extra thumb on both hands. It is difficult for him to use his hands and he can't hold objects very well. Fortunately, on May 17th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), our medical partner, will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digits. CSC is requesting $299 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will be able to use his hands easily and handle objects like his friends. His mother said: "I hope the extra thumb on Boti's hands will be removed safely."

We met Thomas, a 9-year-old jovial and social boy at Cure Hospital's Nyeri satellite clinic. He is the second born in a family of four children. His family hails from a village in Muranga County. Thomas is a third grade student and a very bright boy who aspires to be a pilot in the future. His mother is a small business lady while his father is a mason. Thomas lives with his grandmother. Thomas was born healthy, however at the age of three his grandmother noted an unusual bowing of his legs. He was taken to a hospital in Muranga, however, the condition has never improved and instead has continued to worsen. Fortunately our medical partner can help. Thomas is now scheduled to undergo surgery to heal his condition. The treatment will be impactful to him because he will be able to walk and play more easily. The severe pain he has been experiencing from straining when walking will be alleviated and he will be able to continue with his studies uninterrupted. We can't wait to see him flying in the skies one day! "I would request the hospital to help me undergo surgery so that my legs can be corrected and I can continue with my education," Thomas expressed.

Dickson is a sweet five-year-old and the second born in a family of three children. Dickson’s father works finding jobs on construction sites for a living while the mother sells vegetables and fruits to be able to support their family. One of their relatives told Dickson’s parents to try seeking treatment for him with our medical partner's care center in Arusha. Dickson was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, where his knees bow so that they always touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty and pain walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Dickson. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 4th. Treatment will hopefully restore Dickson's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Dickson’s mother shared: “We have tried to seek treatment for our son but eventually we could no longer continue due to financial challenges."

Ibrahim is a playful three-year-old boy who is about to start kindergarten. His mother is a hardworking single parent of two children who works as a hawker selling goods. Since birth, Ibrahim has had a right inguinal hernia. On December 21st, his mother brought him to the hospital because he was experiencing frequent vomiting and periodic swelling in his inguinal area that worsens when he stands. Ibrahim can experience pain, vomiting, a reduced appetite, and discomfort while walking. Upon review, doctors recommended surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), is helping Ibrahim receive surgery that will help him live more comfortably. On December 29th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at the care center. AMHF is requesting $631 to fund Ibrahim’s procedure. Ibrahim’s mother shared, “I am happy that his condition can be treated surgically. Ibrahim needs to be happy like other children and play with friends during this holiday.”

Vorn is a 64-year-old woman from Cambodia who enjoys watching Khmer movies on TV. She also loves cooking for her seven children and two grandchildren. A farmer by trade, Vorn needs to walk and move around quite a bit for her job. However, walking has been very challenging for her lately. “Vorn fell down five months ago and fractured her left femoral neck,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). The femoral neck is located towards the top of the femur, or thigh bone, and is the weakest part of the bone. When it is damaged, it can cause problems for the hip joint that connects with the upper femur. As a result, “walking long distances outside is not possible,” explains CSC. Vorn is in pain, and she is no longer able to bring in as much income for her family as she used to. Fortunately, we can help Vorn get the treatment she needs to get back to work. $392 will provide her with a hemiarthroplasty, CSC says, “a surgical procedure that replaces one half (the ball portion) of the hip joint with a prosthesis.” After she undergoes this surgery, “Vorn will be able to regain the ability to walk without pain.” Vorn is excited about this prospect. “I hope I can walk again and work more to support my family,” she tells us.

Mitchelle is a 2-month-old baby girl from Kenya with congenital hydrocephalus, or brain swelling. It has been a difficult couple of months for Mitchelle and her family. Two months ago, she was born with swelling on her lower back (spina bifida) which was repaired soon after birth thanks to funds raised by family and friends. Just two months later, Mitchelle has excess fluid in her brain. She needs surgery to help drain the excess fluid and maintain normal intra-cranial pressure in her head. If left untreated, Mitchelle is likely to suffer brain damage, lose her vision, and die at a young age. Between her family's small income from farming and Mitchelle's previous surgery, her parents cannot afford care. With $615, Mitchelle can receive treatment to reduce excess fluid and pressure on her brain and give her a normal, healthy life. “We love Mitchelle and we will appreciate anyone who can help her get treatment," says Mitchelle’s mother.