Erick lives in a neighborhood on the outskirts of La Paz with his mother and his grandparents, who help take care of him while his mother works in the market. He was born with three different holes in and near his heart; as a result, blood leaks through these holes, and his heart cannot deliver enough oxygen to his body. Thankfully, our medical care partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, has been of great help and has helped Erick and his family receive the right medical attention. During his surgery, doctors will close all three holes to ensure oxygen-rich blood circulates throughout his body and he is able to grow into a strong young boy. On February 17th, Erick will undergo cardiac surgery at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría in Bolivia. His family needs financial assistance to cover the $1,500 cost of this life-saving procedure. His mother shared, "I almost gave up hope that my son could live, and I am so thankful to everyone who is giving him this chance!"

Aalyia is an adorable nine-month-old infant who lives with her parents and two brothers in Haiti. Aalyia has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, the circumference of Aalyia's head has been increasing. Without treatment, she will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Aalyia at Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available, and the procedure is scheduled to take place on September 1st. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Aalyia's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, she will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Aalyia's family shares that they hope their child will live a great life.

Khristopher is a six-year-old boy from Malawi who attends primary school. He is the fourth born in a family of five children. To support their family, his parents work as small-scale farmers. When Khristopher was one year old, he began to experience frequent stomachaches. Although his parents thought they would go away, the stomachaches persisted. At three years old, his condition worsened and swelling began to occur in a sensitive area every time Khristopher cried, coughed, or did anything strenuous. His parents shared that these symptoms worry them as they helplessly watch their child in pain due to this condition. He was eventually diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, and his doctor referred him to a different hospital for surgery. However, due to financial constraints that prevented their family from being able to pay for transportation and medical expenses, Khristopher’s father decided to continue trying to heal Khristopher using traditional methods. For another three years, Khristopher was treated with traditional herbs. Unfortunately, these methods were not successful, and his condition persisted. His father decided to seek medical care once more, so he brought Khristopher to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), is helping Khristopher receive treatment. On August 4th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital. AMHF is requesting $846 to fund Khristopher's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and prevent future complications. Khristopher’s father says, “I have prayed and hoped for a solution to my son’s condition, and I now have faith that he will be cured.”

Brian is a 12 year old boy living with his parents and three older siblings. His father is a motorcycle taxi driver earning a living whenever he can from the limited work, while his mother stays at home to care for the children. When Brian was about nine months old, his parents noticed that he had general body weakness. He was diagnosed with rickets and additional medical conditions, which have caused a delay in many of his milestones as he continues to grow. Brian's physical coordination is limited, and he suffers from a profound hearing loss, for which his doctors have recommended hearing aids. But hearing aids are too expensive for his family to afford, so Brian currently attends a special school, which can accommodate his hearing loss. The doctors have assured Brian's parents that with hearing aids, Brian would be able to attend an ordinary school near their home. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to cover the costs of the hearing aids and the fitting, which is scheduled to take place on June 17th at AIC Kijabe Hospital. With his hearing restored, Brian will be able to attend a regular school, and to interact more fully with the world around him. Brian's father says: “Brian is unable to pick up voices and this is affecting his studies. He shifted to a special school because of his condition. His doctors say that he can hear well if fitted with hearing aids. If he gets this medical attention, he can join his colleagues in a normal school.“

Rayvan is a 1 month old baby boy living with his parents and three siblings in Kenya. Rayvan's mother used to plough her neighbors' farms, while his father herds cattle and ploughs farms to earn a living for their family. Rayvan parents shared that he was born at home because they could not afford to pay for his delivery at a hospital. After his birth, his mother noticed that Rayvan had a large swelling on the lower part of his back. She immediately took him to a nearby hospital to be examined. Rayvan was given some medication, and sent back home. After using the medication for a few weeks, there was no change in his condition. His mother shared her concerns about Rayvan with her friends, and one of them referred her to our medical partner's care center BethanyKids Hospital in Kijabe. On arrival, he was examined and diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition that requires surgical intervention to heal. Without surgery, Rayvan is at risk of developing paralysis of his lower limbs, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, and possible developmental delays. His parents do not have health insurance, and are unable to pay for the surgery he needs. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,151 to cover the cost of Rayvan's spina bifida closure surgery, which is scheduled to take place on May 18th at BethanyKids Hospital. This procedure will hopefully spare Rayvan from the risks associated with his condition, and enable him to grow up strong and healthy. Rayvan’s mother says: “I have never seen such a condition before and I was very much worried about my child. Now I’m happy to hear that he can get treated. The sad part is that I cannot afford the treatment but I believe that God will make a way.”

Augostino is a playful boy in kindergarten, who hails from Samor village in Western Kenya. One year ago, Augostino suffered severe burns to the left side of his face when he was trying to fetch food. As a result of his injury, Augostino developed scar contractures, which have tightened the skin around the burns. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Augostino receive treatment. On May 1st, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him heal. Now, his family needs help to fund this procedure, which will cost $1,478. Augostino's father says, “I want my child to have a good look just like other children. I always ask myself why this happened to him."

Amina is a 5-year-old and the youngest in her large extended family. Her family is from the Maasai community, where most people are livestock keepers and practice small-scale farming for a living. She is a charming girl, very playful and talkative. When Amina was younger, she rolled out of bed and sustained a burn on her left foot. The burn has healed, but now she cannot wear sandals or shoes and walks barefooted all the time. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Amina receive treatment for her foot. On March 22nd, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her fully heal. Now, her family needs help to fund this $639 procedure. Amina’s father says, "If there is something that can be done to correct her foot so that she can at least walk with ease and wear shoes, we will be very grateful."

Joseph is a 17-year-old student who likes music and playing table tennis. He's the youngest of four children in his family. Joseph's father passed away when Joseph was only two years old and his mother currently works with physically impaired children at a local Catholic institution. Joseph was born with bilateral club feet, a condition that causes him discomfort and pain when he walks. Joseph previously underwent corrective surgery on his left foot at our medical partner's care center, Cure International Hospital. Joseph is now in need of corrective surgery on his right foot. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Joseph's family raise the $1,224 needed to cover this corrective surgery so that can walk pain free and do all the things he wants to enjoy like playing football with his friends. Our medical partners shared that this surgery will be very impactful for Joseph allowing him to walk more easily and continue with his education. Joseph says, "I'd like to have my foot corrected so that I can keep going to school without difficulties."

Srey Mom is a 39-year-old drink seller. Srey Mom lives with her mother, who is a fruit seller, and her sister. Since Srey Mom was eight years old, she has had persistent ear infections. These infections caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in both ears to perforate. As a result, Srey Mom experiences recurrent ear discharge, tinnitus, and frequent infections with accompanying high fevers. For the past few years, the infections have exacerbated her loss of hearing. Antibiotics were not successful in treating this, and she is unable to communicate well with customers because she cannot hear. Srey Mom traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 13th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in both ears. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforations. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $913 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Srey Mom shared, "I hope my ear infections will clear up, I will hear better, and communicate with my family and neighbors."