Francisco is an eight-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is intelligent, charismatic, and extremely friendly. Francisco's energy spreads joy, and his sweetness leaves a special impression on everyone around him. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming an inventor to change the world with his ideas. About one year ago, Francisco developed an umbilical hernia, a bulge that occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a small opening near the belly button. Although umbilical hernias do not usually cause acute pain, Francisco experiences tenderness and discomfort that limit his daily activities, such as running, jumping, and playing with his friends. If left untreated, the hernia also carries the risk of complications, such as incarceration or strangulation. Fortunately, on September 17th, Francisco will undergo surgery to repair the hernia at our medical partner’s care center, Clinica Noel. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Francisco's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Francisco’s mother shared: "I want to express my most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the people who have decided to sponsor his surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing us personally; that gesture is one of the purest expressions of human kindness. Your support not only makes this surgery possible and addresses a medical need, but it also restores our peace of mind and fills our hearts with hope that Francisco will once again be able to play and dream without limitations. May God bless you abundantly, multiply your generosity in your life, and continue to guide every endeavor you undertake. With infinite gratitude, Francisco’s mom and the entire family"

Eimy is a newborn baby from Bolivia. She lives with her two older brothers, her mother who is a homemaker, and her dad who works as a roofer. When Eimy was born, her mom noticed that her face looked blue, she was breathing fast, and could not breastfeed well. Eimy was diagnosed with a cardiac condition called transposition of the great arteries. The two major arteries connected to the heart are attached to the heart in an anatomically abnormal configuration, meaning that blood cannot flow normally through the heart and body. Doctors explained that she needed urgent surgery. On May 19th, Eimy will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will detach the two arteries and reattach them in their normal positions, so that blood can flow normally. Eimy'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. Eimy's mother says: "I have so many feelings right now, but I trust that my baby will have a successful surgery. I am so grateful to be here."

John Dwayne is seven years old and the oldest of two children from the Philippines. His father works at a hospital as kitchen staff and works as a mechanic for additional income. In January 2025, John Dwayne started to complain of pain. He was brought to a nearby health center, where they diagnosed him with a hernia. His father felt hopeless as he could not afford the surgery for his son. He is grateful that his son’s condition will be treated soon, so he can play again with the other kids and enjoy life more as a growing child. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, John Dwayne will undergo hernia repair surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,121 to fund his procedure and care. John Dwayne's father shared, "I am deeply grateful because you have included my son in the list of patients for free operation. Thank you so much also to the foundation for reaching out to our province for your surgical mission."

Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.

Samwel is a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in a family of six. His mother is a farmer, and his father keeps livestock. Samwel has clubfoot on his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. As the pain increased, Samwel began missing school and eventually dropped out because walking to and from class became too difficult. His family had never sought specialized treatment before, as they were unaware that corrective care was available. Through a village outreach visit, Samwel was identified and referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Samwel will begin clubfoot treatment on February 10th, and he needs help raising $1,119 to fund his care. After treatment, he will be able to walk without pain and return to school, restoring his chance at education and a productive future. Samwel's father says, “He stopped going to school because of the pain he experiences while walking, and I fear for his future if he fails to be treated.”

Phyu is a 35-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and her daughter in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. She is a teacher, while her husband looks after their daughter at home. In her free time, she plays with her daughter and cleans her house. In early January 2025, she noticed a small mass in her right breast. By October, the mass grew bigger, prompting her to seek medical care. She underwent a biopsy, which revealed she has early-stage breast cancer. Doctors recommend she undergo surgery to remove the mass, which will help prevent the cancer from spreading. Phyu sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on January 20th. She is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Phyu said, "I am worried and want to receive surgery as soon as possible. I would like to say thank you to donors and BCMF for supporting my treatment cost while I cannot do it by myself."

Paw is a 30-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and son in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her husband receive monthly cash support from an international aid agency. Another organization provides access to basic healthcare in the camp. During her free time, Paw cleans her house and tends to her vegetable garden in their yard. Paw is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Paw fund and undergo this procedure on December 24th. This operation will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw’s pregnancy is progressing well, and looks forward to giving birth. She says, "I will love this baby, whether it is a boy or a girl."

Aun is a 52-year-old working father from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and youngest daughter, who attends university in the city. His oldest daughter is married and visits often with her family. Before his hip pain, Aun enjoyed exercising in the park and riding his bicycle. Since 2022, Aun has had difficulty walking due to pain in his right hip. He now relies on crutches, which has affected his work and his daily activities. He is unable to stand for long periods of time and wakes up at night from the pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 10th, Aun will undergo a hip replacement procedure, which will relieve his pain and improve his mobility, allowing him to work and take care of his family. Aun and his family can contribute $100 toward the cost, but need help raising $1,400 more. Aun shared, “After the surgery, I hope that I can walk without crutches and feel better at work."