Mariko is a three-year-old boy living in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is looking forward to starting school in the near future. Mariko developed intermittent swelling in his inguinal region two years ago. He was taken to a nearby clinic and was given medication. Since his visit to the clinic, he has lived on the medication, without experiencing any improvement. In fact, the swelling has increased in size and often prevents him from passing urine. He frequently cries because of the pain. Recently, a friend advised Mariko's mother to bring him to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Once there, he was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia and it was determined that he would require a procedure to correct his condition. Fortunately, on May 5th, Mariko will undergo hernia repair surgery at Rushoroza Hospital. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $170 to fund Mariko's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Mariko's mother said: “I pray that my son may get well through surgery so that he may be able to start schooling.”

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.“