Faidhan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with both his parents, and is the second child in the family. He is an energetic and cheerful child who enjoys talking and interacting with those around him. Faidhan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus (bow legs), a condition where the knees curve outward while the feet and ankles touch. His parents first noticed the condition when both of his legs began bending outward as he learned to walk. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Despite the family's attempted efforts, his walking remains difficult and the condition limits his stability. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Faidhan. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Faidhan's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Faidhan's father says, “He wants to run and follow other children, but his legs cannot support him well most of the time. We hope this treatment will change his future.”

Napris is a six-year-old student from Svay Rieng province, Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who are garment factory workers. He stays with his grandmother while his parents are at work. He is in the second grade, and his favorite subject is math. Napris dreams of becoming a teacher when he grows up. He enjoys playing with other children in the neighborhood and likes eating prawns and chicken soup. Napris was born with left torticollis, a condition that causes a twisting of the neck due to a tight sternocleidomastoid muscle. While some children can improve with physical therapy alone, others may need surgery to lengthen the muscle. Because of this condition, Napris has difficulty turning his head and neck and often experiences shoulder pain. Over time, it has also caused postural problems. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Napris receive treatment. On February 3rd, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to restore normal movement of his neck, relieve pain, and allow him to grow and focus on his studies like other children. Now, he needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Napris's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope my son will have a normal neck like other children and no longer have difficulty moving his head, so he can grow up healthy and enjoy his studies.”

Jiann is a charming baby from Kenya who just turned one year old. He has an older sibling, and his parents sell fruits at the roadside to provide for their family. Jiann has an umbilical hernia. Following his birth, his mother noticed his umbilicus was enlarged and slightly protruding. She was advised to monitor the area, as the concern might resolve on its own. However, by six months of age, there was no noticeable change, and the condition persisted. Now that Jiann has reached one year of age, his mother has been advised that hernia repair surgery is the best option for treatment. His family is requesting financial assistance in order to be able to afford the surgery. If left untreated, Jiann may develop complications, which could also interfere with his growth and development. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Jiann receive treatment. On March 2nd, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center. AMH is requesting $517 to fund Jiann's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jiann's mother said, "I would like to see my son grow up in a normal way. This condition may complicate, and that is why I seek help to have him operated on."

Samachar is a young girl from Cambodia. She lives in outskirts of Phnom Penh with her parents and brother. Her father works in the army, and her mother supports the family by selling groceries at a small booth. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her toys with her brother and cousin. Her favorite food is Cambodian chicken congee. For the past eight months, Samachar has been experiencing a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and loud snoring at night. The condition makes her feel tired and less energetic in the morning. It affects her concentration and daily activities. Her mother is worried that if the condition continues, it may cause more serious health problems and affect her future health and development. Samachar was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Samachar, which is scheduled to take place on February 24th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Samachar of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Samachar's mother said, “I hope after the surgery, my daughter will no longer have a sore throat and can sleep peacefully at night. I want her to wake up feeling fresh and grow up healthy without future complications.”

Phary is a six-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives in a small neighbourhood near Phnom Penh with her parents and her two-year-old younger sister. Her parents sell clothes to support the family and work hard to provide for their children. She is in Grade 1 and enjoys learning to read and write Khmer. In her free time, she likes playing with toys with her younger sister. Her favorite foods are caramelized pork and grilled fish, and she dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up. Phary was born with an abnormality in her right leg. Three months ago, she underwent surgery to correct the position of her leg. Doctors implanted metal plates in her right leg to help repair the abnormal bone. Recently, the area around the metal plate became infected and swollen. This has caused her pain and made it difficult for her to walk comfortably. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 16th, Phary will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. This treatment will help remove the infection and allow her leg to heal so she can walk comfortably again and return to her normal activities as a child. Phary's mother shared, “I feel very worried seeing my child in pain and having difficulty walking. I hope the doctors can treat her so the infection will heal and she can walk comfortably again like other children.”

Eman is a five-year-old boy living in Kenya with his parents and younger brother. The family is originally from Ethiopia, where his father served as a missionary, but have relocated while his father is attending missionary college. As a student, Eman’s father does not have a work permit, and the family relies on a small income from the church. They have also been unable to obtain health insurance. Eman was originally referred to our medical partner for chronic tonsillitis, but during his evaluation, doctors identified a reducible left inguinal hernia. This type of hernia is present at birth, but symptoms can take some time to appear. Doctors advised that the hernia repair be postponed until after a tonsillectomy, as the tonsillitis was causing repeated hospital admissions, frequent infections, and continuous use of antibiotics. Eman’s tonsillitis surgery was successful, and his recovery has been remarkable. His father expresses immense joy and gratitude because Eman is sleeping better, is more active, and is able to enjoy his childhood without constant illness. With his recovery complete, Eman is now scheduled for hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $864 to fund Eman’s surgery, which will take place on May 15th. This surgery will give him the chance to grow up healthy, attend school without discomfort, and avoid future complications. Eman's father says, "This hospital has been a blessing and a healing to our family. My son has since improved after the first surgery, and we thank God for everything. Please help us so that my son can grow like other children, healthy, go to school, and we will testify to what the Lord does.”

Dulce is a four-year-old girl from Colombia who has a beautiful smile. However, she has been experiencing pain caused by multiple cavities, which have greatly affected her oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. As a result, Dulce has been struggling with eating, experiencing discomfort, and facing a higher risk of infection. Given the extent of the dental lesions and her young age, it was determined that Dulce would need to undergo comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia. This procedure involves the removal of carious lesions, restoration, and comprehensive management of the affected teeth, ensuring safety, efficacy, and comfort for the patient. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. They have scheduled Dulce's procedure on February 23rd. Now, Dulce and her family need help raising $868 to fund her care. Dulce's mother shared, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your willingness and interest in helping us. As a mother, it has not been easy to see my daughter in need of a surgical procedure. Her condition directly affects her well-being, her nutrition, and her quality of life, and as a family we have done everything in our power to find a solution. This is a gesture that we will never forget and that will remain in our hearts forever."

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana'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. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Hikma is a charming 20-month-old girl who lives with her parents and older brother in Ethiopia. Her parents were small-scale farmers until they were displaced due to war in their area. Now, her mother is a dedicated home maker, and her father works as a daily laborer. As with many other displaced families, it has been difficult for them to afford their daily necessities. Hikma was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital condition that can lead to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. However, the symptoms were not obvious until she was around one year old. Her mother was deeply distressed by what she observed and immediately informed Hikma’s grandmother, who then began seeking for medical assistance. To avoid social stigma, however, the family tried to keep Hikma’s condition private. Eventually, the grandmother came across a Catholic missionary organization, which connected the family with a field coordinator of our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). With the support of relatives and the Catholic missionaries, Hikma's family raised funds to travel to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors explained that Hikma would need a series of surgeries to eliminate bowel dysfunction. The family was relieved and encouraged to hear that Hikma could be helped. Presently, Hikma has already undergone the first surgery, a colostomy creation, and recovered well. Now, Hikma needs support for her second surgery, which will occur on April 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Hikma's procedure and care. After her recovery, Hikma will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Hikma’s mother said, “I would like to thank you sincerely for your support and the services you provided. Thank you again. I truly hope my child will grow up to be a wonderful woman.”

Qanitah is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the second-born in a family of three children and lives with her parents and extended relatives. Qanitah sustained burn injuries to both hands at a very young age. The burns mildly affected her right wrist joint and severely involved the fingers of both hands, leading to fusion and restricted movement. As she grew, the condition has increasingly limited her ability to use her hands independently for daily activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Qanitah receive treatment. On February 6th, surgeons at their care center, Kafika House, will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to restore hand function and allow Qanitah to live a more independent and meaningful life. Without surgical release, the contractures will continue to limit hand function and affect her future independence, including future school participation and self-care. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Qanitah's mother says, “She wants to hold things and feed herself like other children, but her fingers cannot open properly, and that breaks my heart.”

Charlina is a baby girl from Haiti. She lives with her parents in a city on the southern coast; her father works in construction, and her mother currently stays home to care for her. Charlina has a cardiac condition called double outlet right ventricle. one of the major blood vessels carrying blood from her heart is attached to the heart at an anatomically abnormal location, which prevents blood from circulating normally through her heart and body. She also has Down syndrome. Charlina will fly to the Dominican Republic to undergo surgery on March 18th. As Charlina's heart is still too small to completely repair this condition, she will undergo cardiac surgery, where doctors will implant a shunt in her heart that will help blood circulate more normally, and keep her safe and healthy until she has reached an age where a full repair is possible. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4500.00 to pay for the surgery. Charlina's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. They need help raising $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Charlina's family overseas. Charlina's mother shared, "I am hopeful that after this surgery Charlina will have more appetite and energy than she does now!"

Fadhili is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. His father is a small business owner, and his mother is a housewife. Fadhili was brought to the hospital by his father because of burn scar contractures affecting his left hand. Fadhili's injury occurred last year when he succumbed to a burn on the fourth and fifth fingers of his left hand. Initially, the family managed the wound at home due to limited access to healthcare. As a result, Fadhili struggles to open his hand fully and has difficulty holding objects or feeding himself. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Fadhili receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to help restore Fadhili's hand movement and prevent long-term disability. This early intervention will allow Fadhili to grow and develop without functional limitations. AMH is requesting $832 to fund this procedure. Fadhili's father says, “His burned fingers are tight and cannot open well, so he cannot hold things like other children.”