Ngasungui is a five-month-old baby girl and the youngest child in a family of five children. Her parents have five cows and five goats, and they make a living selling milk to their neighbors. Ngasungui was born with clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. A visiting doctor referred Ngasungai's parents to our medical partner's care center for treatment. Fortunately, Ngasunguii and her parents traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. On December 17th, surgeons there will perform clubfoot repair surgery. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund Ngasungui's procedure and care. After treatment, she will be able to walk easily and her self esteem will not be affected by her condition. Ngasungui’s mother shared, "I pray that my child gets this treatment and everything goes well. I want her to live and grow without disability."

Scovian is a quiet 6-year-old student and the firstborn in a family of two. She was brought to our clinic by her grandmother who takes care of her. She shared that Scovian's mother is a hawker in a town near her home while her father left the family because of her birth condition. Scovian has clubfoot of both feet. The condition has seriously affected her mobility. Balancing and maintaining her posture is a challenge. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Scovian is stigmatized due to this condition in the village and at school. At school, Scovian is often mocked by other pupils. Due to that, her grandmother escorts her to school every day. Fortunately, Scovian traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on November 22nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Scovian's clubfoot repair. After treatment, her self-esteem will be boosted, she will be able to put on shoes, walk well, and engage with friends. Also, she will be able to continue with her studies well. Scovian's grandmother says, “If the surgery is done and is successful, I will be grateful to God.”

Eldriyan is a 10-month-old baby boy from the Philippines. His father works as a coconut farmer, and his mother is a housewife. Eldriyan was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. When Eldriyan's family learned about our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, they traveled for nine hours to receive treatment. On December 10th, Eldriyan will undergo surgery to correct his condition. After his recovery, he will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Now, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is requesting $1,279 to cover the total cost of Eldriyan's procedure and care. Eldriyan's mother shared, "thank you for the chance towards a better life for Eldriyan."

Jayron is a three-year-old boy from the Philippines. His father is a vendor, while his mother is a stay-at-home mom. They shared that their income is just enough to meet their minimum needs. Jayron was born with an anorectal malformation, which is a congenital abnormality that leads to complete or partial intestinal blockage. To address this condition, he needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Fortunately, Jayron will undergo surgery to correct his condition on December 20th at our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). After his recovery, Jayron will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. WSFP is requesting $1,279 to cover the total cost of Jayron's procedure and care. Jayron's mother shared, "The surgery will be a big relief to our family as it will help Jayron live a better life without worrying about his condition."

Medrick is a child from Tanzania. He is the first born child in a family of three children. Medrick is a hard working boy who loves school. The daily walks to and from school are becoming harder every day from exhaustion due to the positioning of his feet. Medrick’s parents depend on small scale farming of maize and cassavas for their living. Medrick has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Medrick traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on November 19. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $890 to fund Medrick's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Medrick’s father says, “We tried to treat our son but we ran out of money. Now there is a chance for him to have his feet corrected but we can’t afford the cost please help.”

Sok Chea is a 19-year-old farmer who has two younger brothers. He likes to go to the farm, play soccer, and play games. Five months ago, Sok Chea developed a cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth, in his left ear. It causes ear discharge, hearing loss, bleeding, pain, and a ringing or buzzing in his ear. Though he has been taking medication, his symptoms have not improved. He is unhappy because he has difficulty communicating with others. When Sok Chea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On November 24, CSC surgeons performed a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear to remove the cholesteatoma. After recovery, his hearing will improve. Now, he needs help to fund this $842 procedure. "I hope to have no more pain, good hearing, and an easier time communicating with other people, " says Sok Chea.

Josered is receiving care at a one-week surgery camp made possible by visiting surgeons from two US-based organizations; WOGO (Women Orthopedist Global Outreach) and Operation Walk, at our partner hospital in Tanzania. Watsi has committed to posting as many patients from the camp who need financial support as needed. Josered has three children, two of which are married and have their own families. His last child is finishing his college education. Josered’s wife has high blood pressure and she is almost blind, so he devotes his life to caring for her. Josered relies on his small piece of land where he grows banana plants to earn money. His children help out as much as they can, but the cost of total knee replacement is too high for them to afford. For $960 Josered can receive a surgery that will correct his bilateral varus deformity and relieve his osteoarthritis. Josered says, “I wish I could do more as I feel that I have the strength, but my knees will not let me. I hope to be able to do a little bit more of farm work." Without this surgery, Josered progressive pain will continue and he will eventually fail to walk. We have the chance to help Josered avoid losing mobility, so let's do it!