Sarmila is a five-year-old girl who lives with her parents and siblings. Her father is a teacher, and her mother grazes their cattle, works in the field, and looks after her young children. The yield from the field sustains their family for six months of the year. Earlier this month, Sarmila fell from the porch of her house and fractured her left elbow. Since then, she has been in pain, and her hand is swollen. She needs help with everyday tasks, such as eating and dressing. Her parents finally decided to seek medical help, bringing her to our medical partner's care center, Bayalpata Hospital. On February 20, Sarmila will be fitted with a cast to align the fracture in her elbow. The family needs help to pay for this $541 procedure. "I wish her treatment happens soon and she is relieved from pain," shares Sarmila's father.

“What I wish the most is for my baby to be able to walk,” says Aisha’s mother. Aisha is a cheerful 16-month old baby girl who lives in Tanzania with her parents and two siblings. Her father is the sole provider for their family, and relies on selling used clothing for an income. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us that Aisha’s parents began noticing abnormalities with her head when she was three months old. She was later diagnosed with hydrocephalus, swelling of the head that is caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Aisha’s head has become so swollen that the weight of it prevents her from walking. If left untreated, Aisha may also lose her vision. For $775, Aisha will receive hydrocephalus surgery to drain the CSF in her brain and prevent future swelling. The cost also includes includes surgical expenses, medication, a five day stay at the hospital, and a two week stay at a rehabilitation center. AMHF shares that after surgery, “Aisha’s head will be lighter allowing her body to support the head giving her the balance to walk. She will also be out of the risk of losing her eyesight.”