Alex is a 22-month-old boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of two children. His parents depend entirely on small-scale farming for a living. Alex’s father decided to travel to neighboring Kenya to seek small jobs in order to supplement the little harvest they are able to currently get from their farm. Alex was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Alex is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,063 to cover the cost of Alex's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 15th. This procedure will hopefully protect Alex from the risks associated with his condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Alex's mother says, “I will be very happy to see my son walk by himself like his sibling. Please help us as the cost is too high for us to afford."

16-year-old Beshan is a determined girl from Ethiopia who deeply wishes to attend school. Beshan was born with an anorectal malformation, which means she is unable to pass stool properly. Beshan's condition causes deep social isolation and keeps her from attending school. Her parents are very poor and are unable to afford the medical treatment she needs. “I would love to go to school!” exclaims Beshan. “If I get better, I am determined to start from scratch.” For $1,500, we can fund the surgery to correct Beshan’s malformation, giving her the opportunity to receive an education and lead a life as a welcomed member of her community.