Joy is a nine-month-old girl from Kenya who lives with her family not too far from our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital. Joy was born with an umbilical hernia, a bulge near the belly button. Initially, it was a small swelling and her mother was advised to wait and see if it would heal on its own. However, the swelling has continued to increase in size, and is now affecting Joy’s feeding. According to her mother, when Joy cries or coughs, the swelling produces a sound. Coincidentally, Joy's mother has previously received treatment for a hernia, which had developed soon after she gave birth to Joy. Doctors have advised that Joy needs to undergo hernia repair surgery. If left untreated, Joy will continue experiencing feeding difficulties, which may affect her growth and development, and she may also develop further symptoms including pain. Fortunately, on January 20th, Joy will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nazareth Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $517 to fund Joy's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Joy's mother says: "First, I appreciate the support you gave me during my treatment, and I got well. My baby has the same issue, and I hope to get help so that she can be operated on and grow up like other children."

Erlinda is a young student from Bolivia. She lives in central Bolivia with her parents, who both work in agriculture, and her five brothers. Erlinda stopped attending school last year because she felt too weak. Erlinda has a cardiac condition called aortic stenosis. One of the valves of the heart is too narrow; this causes blood to back up, leading to weakness and heart failure. On November 19th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will reconstruct the valve so that it opens to a more normal size. Erlinda's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Erlinda's father shared, "I hope this surgery goes well so that my daughter can have a healthy heart and can go back to school!"

Nyo is an 18-year-old mother from Burma. She lives with her husband and son. Nyo works as a homemaker. During her free time, Nyo likes to spend time with her son. Her husband is a small-scale farmer and labourer. Even with their combined incomes, they are unable to meet their needs. Nyo is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section to avoid complications caused by delivering a baby in a breech presentation. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both Nyo and her new baby. Thankfully, Nyo will undergo a C-Section on January 15th at Tha Song Yang Hospital. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Nyo's procedure. Nyo said, "I worry about my surgery cost as I cannot afford to pay for it. I would like to deliver my baby safely, like my first. I am happy to receive support from the organization and donors for my surgery costs."

Long is a 69-year-old tuk-tuk driver from Cambodia. He lives with his wife in the rural province of Kampong Thom, approximately five hours away from the capital of Phnom Penh. They have no children. When Long was still able to drive his tuk-tuk, he enjoyed visiting the provincial pagoda with his wife. In February 2025, Long was involved in a motorcycle accident where another driver crashed into the left side of his vehicle. As a result, he sustained fractures to both the tibia and femur of his left leg. He was then taken to a military hospital, where he underwent surgery to repair the fractures and had an external fixation frame placed on his tibia. Unfortunately, his lower leg has not healed properly despite receiving medication and having the open wound debrided. He has been in a wheelchair and cannot walk, and he experiences frequent fevers and chronic pain. In addition, Long has been diagnosed with diabetes, which makes it more difficult for the body to deliver nutrients to wounds. As a result, injuries may heal slowly or not at all. The doctors who initially treated him suggested that he visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), to see if his open wound and unhealed fractures could be treated. When Long learned about CSC, he traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On December 9th, surgeons at CSC will perform a skin graft procedure to debride the infected tibia and heal his non-union fracture so he can walk again. Long contributed $75 to his care and needs assistance raising $508 to fund the remaining cost of his treatment. Long's wife said, "I hope my husband can walk again soon and be healthy again."

Winner is a three-year-old girl who lives with her parents and older brother in Uganda. Winner's parents are small-scale farmers, working hard to feed their children and support their family. About five months ago, Winner developed swelling on the front of her neck. Her mother brought her to a nearby health center, where the family was given some medication. Unfortunately, it did not help, and the swelling has increased over time. Searching for a solution, Winner's family borrowed money from a local association so that they could travel to our partner's medical care center, Rushoroza Hospital. There, doctors diagnosed Winner with an anterior cystic mass and recommended mass excision surgery. Without this surgery, Winner will continue to experience swelling and discomfort. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On January 13th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Winner's family needs help to raise $145 to fund this procedure. Winner's mother shares, "I have used my last bit of money to bring my baby here to Rushoroza Hospital. I am passing through many hardships, especially financially. I am requesting to be helped so that my child may return to normal life and grow like other children."

Christopher is 35 years old and a father of two from Malawi. He has a motorbike transport business, which supports his family. In 2015, Christopher was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. It started as a painless swelling, but by 2023, pain developed, and the symptoms worsened to the point that he could barely work. He had been seeking treatment from the regional referral hospital, but surgery could not be done due to the long waiting lists. He was then referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners In Hope Medical Center, where he was assessed and recommended for surgery. Christopher is hopeful that surgery will restore his health, allowing him to return to his business and continue providing for his family. Fortunately, on December 10th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Christopher's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Christopher shared, “The swelling episodes scare me now. I feel like something might burst. This has completely disrupted my daily activities, and I really need your help.”

Jeremiah is a 27-year-old young man from Kenya. He is the third-born in a family of four children. Jeremiah is educated and has completed a catering course, but after struggling to find a job in his field, he began taking on various casual jobs. He currently works as a casual storekeeper at a company in Nairobi. Although he is not married, Jeremiah works hard to sustain himself and avoid depending on his parents. A few days ago, while walking home, Jeremiah was hit by a speeding car that was overtaking another vehicle. He sustained injuries to his right leg and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where first aid was administered. An X-ray revealed an open fracture of the fibula and a dislocation of the ankle joint. He was advised to undergo an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) procedure, but was unable to afford the cost. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On November 11th, Jeremiah will undergo a fracture repair procedure. This treatment will reduce the risks of developing complications such as delayed bone healing, deformity, or even the permanent loss of function in his leg. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund this procedure. Jeremiah shared, "I am still young and hope to have my own family in the future. I am requesting for support so that my pain can be relieved, and I can be treated, get well and be able to continue working and sustaining myself, rather than be dependent on others."

Sapphire is five years old and a kindergarten student from the Philippines. Her father is a construction worker. Sapphire is very playful, especially now that she has started school and made new friends. About a year ago, her parents noticed a small bump on the sole of her left foot. At first, they thought it would go away after a few days. However, as months passed, the bump slowly grew bigger. Sapphire’s mother shared that she and her husband became more worried as they saw the lump increase in size. In January of this year, their fear grew when they saw discharge coming from Sapphire’s foot. They immediately brought her to a doctor, who advised that the mass be removed as soon as possible. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, Sapphire will undergo surgery to remove the mass. This procedure should address her symptoms and allow her to live more comfortably. She needs help to raise $1,063 to fund her treatment. Sapphire's mother shared, "My husband and I will feel happy and relieved once Sapphire can get treated and walk normally. We no longer have to think about how we can afford to get her the help that she needs."

Olera is a seven-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is the middle child in his house, with three siblings. When his father fell ill and became bedridden, the family lost its sole provider. His mother bears the responsibility of managing the household and caring for her children. She shows amazing dedication and walks tirelessly every day, going from one shop to the next, selling different products. She is doing everything she can with incredible strength. Eight months ago, Olera began to experience difficulty swallowing, had a high fever, and loss of appetite. His illness has forced him to miss many school days, hurting his education and limiting his time with friends. It also makes him more irritable and unhappy. Worst of all, the sickness puts a critical added strain on his mother, who is already burdened with supporting a family of six. Olera was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Olera, which is scheduled to take place on November 27th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, which should relieve Olera of his symptoms and help him live more comfortably. Olera's mother said, "Even though I am completely exhausted by all the daily responsibilities, every mother yearns for her child to be healthy and happy. When I see my kids smile, all my pain disappears. I hope he gets the surgery quickly and makes a full recovery."

Miguel is a seven-year-old happy, intelligent child full of dreams. He has a pure heart, always radiates joy, and shows a great desire to succeed. Miguel wishes to become a teacher when he grows up, and is passionate about learning and sharing his knowledge with others. In May 2025, Miguel began experiencing discomfort in his mouth due to multiple cavities. He was evaluated by a dental specialist, who determined that a treatment procedure under general anesthesia was necessary to ensure his well-being. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is helping Miguel receive treatment. On January 20th, he will undergo treatment to clear the infection and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, helping him regain his smile and become healthier. Now, Miguel's family needs help to fund this $868 procedure. Miguel's mother says, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the donors who are supporting my son, Miguel. Your generous gesture is much more than material help; it is a sign of selfless love, of belief in dreams, and of light at a time when we urgently needed it. Thanks to your big hearts, Miguel will be able to receive the treatment he so desperately needs and, with it, regain the smile and quality of life that every child deserves. Seeing someone who does not know you personally offering you support is the purest reflection of human kindness. May God continue to bless you and guide every step in the valuable work you do."

Alson is a three-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is the only child in the family. Both of his parents work as dedicated government employees. Eight months ago, Alson started to experience difficulty swallowing, snoring, high fever, and appetite loss. His condition forces a painful pattern of infections and frequent hospital trips. He has to stay at a family member's house as his parents work full-time. The family often doesn't know how to help him. This confusion makes them feel very stressed and overwhelmed. Alson was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Alson, scheduled for December 17th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Alson of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. "Our hearts are never at work—only our bodies show up. Since our baby became ill, we attend work simply for attendance and necessity. Our only proper focus is seeing him happy and healthy again," said Alson's parents.

Phalin is a two-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in a small town in Kampong Chhnang Province with her grandmother, who is a rice farmer. Her mother works in a garment factory, and her father is a construction worker. She is always excited when she gets to eat her favorite Cambodian chicken congee. During the day, she enjoys playing with slime and other toys. Phalin was born with polydactyly of her right hand. This means that she has an extra thumb. It is difficult for her to hold objects properly, and her parents are also worried about how it affects her hand function and appearance. She has not received any prior treatment for this condition. Fortunately, on February 5th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra finger. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to use her right hand normally, improve her grip, and have a hand that looks like other children’s, making daily activities and future schooling easier. Phalin's grandmother said, “After the surgery, I hope that Phalin will have a normal hand like other children and be able to use it properly, so it will be easier for her when she goes to school.”