Peterson is an 18-year-old young man, the firstborn in a family of four children from Malawi. Hailing from Dowa District, Peterson had been supporting his family financially, a role he can no longer fulfill due to his current health condition. This has prompted their appeal for financial assistance towards his surgery. Five months ago, Peterson began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain, which intensified and was accompanied by vomiting of greenish substances. Alarmed by his deteriorating condition, his family rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with acute appendicitis complicated by peritonitis and bowel perforation. An emergency appendectomy along with a loop ileostomy was performed. A stoma, a surgically created opening on the abdomen, was necessary to divert bowel contents and allow the injured intestines to heal before a reversal could be considered. Peterson remained hospitalized for a month and was discharged with instructions to return on May 2nd for wound debridement and secondary closure, which was successfully done. He is now fit for ileostomy reversal since healing has been confirmed. Peterson's condition has brought significant challenges to both him and his mother, who is his primary caregiver. His illness has deeply affected the family’s livelihood, as Peterson was the main breadwinner, earning a living through casual labor. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,244 to fund his surgery. On August 5th, he will undergo a laparotomy procedure at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will complete his treatment, greatly improving his quality of life. "Kindly support my surgery treatment, this thing is terrible for me, the doctors told me that a reversal will help me to pass stool and urine normally," said Peterson.

Aung is an eight-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, younger brother, uncle, and his uncle’s wife in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand. His father works as a chef at a restaurant and his mother is a homemaker. His uncle and aunt also work as waiters at the same restaurant as his father. Aung likes to sing and play with his friends during his free time. Aung and his family moved to Thailand to seek treatment for Aung. In December 2023, Aung began experiencing trouble breathing and would snore while sleeping. Aung’s mother took him to a nearby clinic in Burma, where the doctor diagnosed him with tonsillitis. The doctor prescribed a mouthwash to clean his mouth as well as oral medications. Aung returned to the clinic for follow-up visits over the next three months, but his symptoms did not improve. After visits to many different hospitals, Aung was referred to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. Aung will undergo a tonsillectomy on April 28th to address his symptoms. Aung and his family need your help to raise $1,500 for his procedure and care. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Aung of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Aung’s uncle expressed his happiness, saying, “Thank you so much to this organization and the donors for helping my nephew’s treatment costs. He then added, “After his surgery and full recovery, we will send him back to school to continue his education.”

Bezawork is a charming four-month-old baby girl from Ethiopia. She is her parent's only child, and the family lives in a modest home in rural Ethiopia. Her mother is a devoted housemaker, while her father supports the family by selling firewood, while also attending college. The family faces financial challenges, and often worry about meeting their daughter’s needs. Since birth, Bezawork has experienced severe discomfort during bowel movements, as waste passes through her urinary tract, causing her significant pain and distress. She has been diagnosed with anorectal malformation, and her parents have been told that she will require a series of surgeries to correct her condition. After three difficult months, Bezawork was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was then referred to a regional hospital. At the regional hospital, the doctors informed Bezawork's parents that while a colostomy could be done, ultimately, a more complex procedure would need to be performed at a more specialized hospital, at an estimated cost of over $7,000. Overwhelmed and heartbroken, her mother wept, fearing they had run out of options for their daughter’s treatment. After a successful colostomy, Bezawork's health improved, and she started to thrive. In a moment of compassion, a doctor approached the family, and introduced them to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Bezawork is scheduled to undergo another surgery on May 22nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Bezawork's procedure and care. Following treatment, Bezawork will be able to pass stool normally. Bezawork's mother says: “I look forward to seeing my daughter healed and healthier. I am so grateful for the support, and wish to thank God and everyone helping my daughter.”

Rose is a 45-year-old mother of two from Malawi. Her first born is married with one child and her second-born is in his second year at a technical college. She is a small-scale vendor who sells tomatoes at the local market. In her free time, Rose enjoys chatting with her children and enjoys eating local delicacies. Six months ago, Rose started experiencing general body weakness and heavy bleeding. She was taken to a local hospital where her hemoglobin levels were found to be very low. She received a blood transfusion that improved her health condition, and was advised to report back in case she experienced any complications. Two months later, Rose started bleeding heavily again, and she decided to report back to the hospital as per the hospital's instructions. A pelvic ultrasound scanning was done, and it revealed a mass. Rose had started feeling weak after the heavy bleeding. Her illness has significantly affected her daily activities as well as her business leading to an income reduction. She decided to seek treatment at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope, where the diagnosis was confirmed and she was advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rose receive treatment. On May 2nd, she will undergo a gynecological procedure to relieve her symptoms and prevent even more serious health complications due to the blood loss. Rose is optimistic about the treatment and hopes to resume her daily activities, and support her children. Rose is able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment but needs help raising $1,363 more to fund the procedure. She says, "I'm experiencing unusually heavy bleeding. I would be grateful if you would consider me as a recipient of your support. This would allow me to rest and focus on my business, which is essential for my family.

Nellie is 46 years old and a mother of three from Malawi. Her husband is a farmer. Nellie used to sell tomatoes before her health affected her daily activities. She likes praying and enjoys chatting with her family. Since January 2023, Nellie has been experiencing abdominal pains and pelvic bleeding. She visited the nearest hospital, where a diagnosis of uterine fibroid was made. She underwent two surgeries but the symptoms persisted. Nellie significantly lost weight, making her weak and unable to perform her daily tasks. Nellie was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where she was told she needed to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons would remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,306 to fund Nellie's surgery on March 7th. Once recovered, she will be able to resume her daily activities without pain. "I would like to have this surgery so I can be myself again. Your support will bring joy to my life, making me resume my business that I am currently not doing and be the responsible mother I used to be," Nellie said.

Jovita is a farmer from Malawi. She enjoys farming with her husband to support their family of three children. She also enjoys eating chips and chicken. Two months ago, Jovita began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling on the right side of her neck. She visited the nearest clinic, but the swelling kept growing. A friend referred Jovita to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Jovita was diagnosed with nodular goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jovita receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 28th. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015 and she and her family need help raising money. “Thank you, donors. I hope the surgery will make me well again,” said Jovita.

Moe is a 16-year-old girl from Burma who lives with her elder sister, aunt, uncle, and four cousins in Karen state. Her parents live in Bangkok, Thailand where her father works as a mason. Moe’s aunt and her family run an online shop. Moe’s elder sister is currently suffering from heart disease and undertook treatments at the hospital in Karen State. Moe attended school but had to pause her studies due to her ongoing health problems. Moe experiences abdominal pain and is taking oral painkillers. Moe was diagnosed with kidney stones and physicians at Mae Sot General Hospital determined that Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) could resolve his symptoms. ESWL is a procedure that can break up the stones in the urinary system and the fragments will exit in the urine. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on January 7th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. After her surgery, Moe plans to work at a beauty salon to have a regular and support her family with their medical expenses. Moe's aunt said, "Without donors, Moe’s surgery would not have been possible. We even thought to find donors for her surgery through online post but when we learned that BCMF and its donors would cover the costs of my niece’s treatment, our family was very happy." Moe added, “Thank you so much to BCMF and the donors for helping me and I hope you can help more people like me in the future.”

The past nine months have been filled with worry and uncertainty for Vinet, a 23-year-old young man whose life was turned upside down by sudden tremors, convulsions, and fainting spells. Since his first collapse in March 2024, he has visited multiple hospitals and taken medication to manage his condition, yet he continues to struggle with these debilitating episodes. In May 2024, Vinet came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where he received the shocking news that a tumor had formed near his brain. The doctors recommended a craniotomy—an urgent surgery that could save his life. However, Vinet's lack of insurance coverage has made it impossible for him to proceed with the treatment. Raised by a single father after the loss of his mother, Vinet is an only child who has always been a source of strength for his family. His father works at a flower farm in Naivasha to keep food on the table. Despite completing high school, Vinet has been unable to pursue further education due to financial limitations. To support his family, he took on construction work, which has become increasingly difficult as his health issues worsen. Since his diagnosis, Vinet and his father have been desperately trying to raise funds for his surgery, but their efforts have not yielded fruit. Vinet collapses up to four times a week, making it hard for him to work or even socialize, as he never knows when the next episode will strike. Yet, amidst these challenges, Vinet remains hopeful. He dreams of studying electrical engineering and is determined to seek help from kind-hearted individuals once he regains his health. To make this dream a reality, Vinet urgently needs your support to undergo this life-saving surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Vinet receive treatment. On November 28th, he will undergo a craniotomy at AIC Kijabe Hospital. The treatment will help him reclaim his health, live a normal life, and work towards achieving his aspirations. Now, Vinet's family need help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Vinet says, "I once collapsed while I was with friends, and ever since that day, I've felt like people tend to avoid being around me because they're afraid I might collapse at any moment. Yet, I believe that with the right treatment, I will regain my health."

Ronald is a 36-year-old high school teacher from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he teaches civics and history at a local school. He lives on his own and is dedicated to educating young minds in his community. Ronald has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation, which has severely damaged one of the four valves in his heart. This damage, caused by an infection earlier in his life, prevents the valve from pumping blood efficiently through his body. As a result, Ronald often feels weak and struggles with shortness of breath. Ronald will be traveling to the United States to receive life-saving treatment. On December 16th, he is scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery at Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, where surgeons will implant an artificial valve to replace his damaged heart valve. Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital is contributing $28,000 to cover the cost of the surgery. However, additional support is needed to cover other expenses associated with Ronald’s treatment. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund the cost of lab tests, medications, check-ups, and follow-up appointments. The funds will also help secure travel documents for Ronald and cover travel expenses for the social workers who will accompany him during this journey. Ronald shared, “It is a miracle for me to have this surgery, and I would like to say thank you to everyone that has made this possible.”

Mishehe is a two-year-old boy from Tanzania who lives with his grandparents. Last year, Mishehe accidentally fell into a pot of hot water, suffering severe burns on both hands. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was admitted for six months due to the persistent and slow-healing wounds. After his wounds finally healed, his right hand was fine, but the fingers on his left hand became webbed together due to contractures. Mishehe’s grandparents had to postpone further treatment as they had exhausted all their savings during his hospital stay. Fortunately, Mishehe's grandparents were referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Mishehe receive treatment. On October 18th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and skin graft to help improve the functionality of his hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Mishehe's grandmother says: "We are grateful and hopeful that this is a chance for his hand to get better. Thank you so much."

Wendy is a 10-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives in a rural area several hours away from La Paz. She lives with both her parents who are both shepherds. She enjoys school, especially her language classes, and likes taking care of her two family dogs. Wendy has a cardiac condition called Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Wendy has two holes in and near her heart: one between the two upper chambers, and another between two major blood vessels next to her heart. These leave her weak and can lead to heart failure over time. On September 20th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, Surgeons will sew both of the holes closed so that blood can circulate normally through her heart and body. Wendy's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Wendy's mother shared, "Our family has been very worried to see Wendy having trouble breathing, and we are so happy that her heart will soon be healthy!"

Damaris is a 46-year-old woman from Kenya. Damaris used to work as a domestic worker, relying on household jobs like cleaning and doing laundry to support her two children. Damaris lives with her two children, one grandchild, and her mother. They rely on well-wishers for daily meals and basic needs. Damaris has been having issues with her health since 2021. Doctors have been able to treat her other health conditions successfully. However, during a follow-up visit in April 2024, scans revealed a growth in her kidney. This growth has caused elevated blood pressure and poses a serious risk to her life. Damaris now urgently requires a laparotomy surgery to remove the kidney growth. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund Damaris's surgery. On September 4th, she will undergo surgery and once completed, she will hopefully have an improved quality of life. Damaris says, “My family has been experiencing tough times, I hope to get better so that I can go back to work and help my family.”