Albert is a nine-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is full of potential and quiet courage. As the firstborn in his family, he carries a deep sense of responsibility for his siblings and supports his mother in household and farming tasks. Albert’s father left the family years ago, leaving his mother to raise the children alone. She farms a small plot of land to feed them. Albert recently started primary school, but his path has been difficult. Albert has clubfoot on both feet. 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. Albert has lived with pain and limited mobility all his life. He walks long distances with great effort, determined not to let his condition stop him from pursuing education. Fortunately, Albert's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on December 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Albert's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Albert’s future would drastically change, giving him the ability to walk without pain, attend school more confidently, and build a life defined not by his disability. Albert’s mother says, “I want to make sure my boy grows up happy and healthy."

Valentine is a four-year-old girl from Kenya. Her mother is a single parent who takes on casual jobs at restaurants to support Valentine. They live with Valentine's grandmother, who engages in small-scale farming. For three years, Valentine has had an umbilical Hernia. Her mother noticed a bulge around Valentine's belly button while washing her. Alarmed, she rushed Valentine to a nearby medical facility in their home area. Unfortunately, no diagnosis was given at the time, leaving her even more confused and worried than before. Valentine's mother learned about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, where she was diagnosed and recommended for surgery. On November 27th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $585 to fund Valentine's procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. "I have watched my little Valentine struggle with this pain for so long. I pray that this surgery will give her relief and allow her to live without fear or discomfort," said Valentine's mother.

Beka is a shy two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives with his parents and older sister in a single room provided by their relatives. Beka is very attached to his mother, and he finds joy in playing with bicycles and toy cars, as well as spending time with his sister. His mother cares for their home, while his father works as a daily laborer in construction. After years of anticipation, Beka’s parents were overjoyed to finally welcome their baby boy, who brought immense happiness to their family. Shortly after birth, Beka was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His parents were initially worried and anxious when they received the news, but the doctor explained that treatment options would be available when he got a bit older. At three months old, his parents diligently followed up at a referral hospital. However, due to a long waiting list, they faced delays, with appointments scheduled every three to six months, leaving them anxious about when surgery treatment would happen. Eventually, they were referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). At the hospital, Beka was reviewed and the doctor explained that he would need three surgical procedures. Without treatment, Beka would continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and would be at risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Beka receive treatment. On November 18th, he will undergo corrective surgery at BKMCM. Now, Beka's family need help to raise $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Beka's mother said: "Our wish is for good health for our son, and we hope that God will support him during the surgical process."

Theresia is a 15-year-old girl from Tanzania. Theresia’s mother currently lives in Oldeani, Karatu, where she works as a small-scale farmer cultivating maize to support the family. Theresia always loved school, but the increasing pain and difficulty walking forced her to drop out. The long distances to school, uneven paths, and the social challenges that came with her condition made it impossible for her to continue. It was a heartbreaking decision for her and her mother, who has always encouraged her education. Theresia has clubfoot on her right 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. Fortunately, Theresia's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on December 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Theresia's clubfoot repair. Her mother dreams of seeing her daughter walk comfortably again, free from pain, and return to school to continue chasing the future she deserves. Theresia says, "It has been painful trying to work at home, go to school, and be independent. I wish for this to change and the pain to stop."

Eliab is a three-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing with toy cars and spends quality time with his older sister watching car-related movies. Eliab lives with his parents, his older sister, and his younger brother. His mother is a dedicated homemaker, and his father teaches driving license courses. Despite their efforts to support the family, they live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to save money, especially after the birth of their new baby boy. Eliab was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Eliab has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Eliab’s parents were unaware of his condition until he was one and a half years old. They took him to the nearby Health Center, where he was advised to undergo surgery. This revelation caused considerable stress and panic for his parents. However, the doctor reassured them that it was a straightforward procedure, offering comfort and providing a referral to a specialized hospital. Eliab will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 11th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Eliab's father expressed his heartfelt gratitude, "Words cannot fully convey my appreciation. I was deeply concerned for my child, and your support has been invaluable. Please continue this vital service; many children are enduring great suffering, and we are immensely grateful for your assistance during this challenging time."

Wabi is a charming toddler from Ethiopia. He delights in playing with his peers and enjoys watching animated movies. He is the first child in his family, bringing immense joy to his parents. His mother sells vegetables on the street while his father works as a daily laborer. Wabi was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Wabi is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Wabi's mother shared, "There were times when I felt hopeless, but I truly believe that God has a perfect plan to support my child. I am immensely grateful for all the assistance we've received."

Lia is a young student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who is a truck driver, and her two younger siblings. Lia's mom noticed that her daughter had a constant headache, body aches, and dizziness. She took Lia to the doctor, which led to her being diagnosed with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Lia's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On December 16th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Lia'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. Lia's mother shared, "I just hope my daughter has good health after the surgery, and stops being sick so often."

Esther is a 16-year-old girl from Uganda. She was born healthy, and met all of her early developmental milestones, until it was time for her to begin speaking. At first, her parents believed her speech was simply delayed. However, as the months passed, it became clear that Esther was unable to develop speech like other children. By the age of three, although she appeared aware of the people around her, it was evident that she could not perceive sound. Esther's parents longed to hear her speak, and sought help from several hospitals. Unfortunately, financial constraints made it impossible for them to afford the care she needed. As a result, Esther was enrolled in a special school, where she learned sign language, and adapted remarkably well. She is now preparing to enter Grade 9 when school resumes. Esther’s sister shares that she loves writing, and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Recently, Esther was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where medical evaluations confirmed significant hearing loss. Doctors recommended hearing aids that would enable her to hear, to communicate more easily, and which would significantly improve her quality of life. However, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond the family’s means. Esther’s parents rely on small-scale farming for survival in Uganda, where the family lives, while her elder sister is the primary breadwinner, selling clothes to support the household. With hearing aids, Esther would have a real opportunity to experience a fuller, more independent life, and to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to raise $1,171 so Esther can be fitted with hearing aids on December 19th. Esther’s sister said: “She loves writing and helping other children, both at school and at home. I know that being able to hear would make a big difference in her life.”

At 86 years old, Burasidia is still a strong, happily outspoken, and confident woman who lives with three of her grandchildren. She reports no history of chronic conditions, which is rare for someone in her age group in Uganda. She is a mother of nine children, two of whom are deceased. All her living children have families and are small-scale farmers. Although education was not highly valued during her generation, she managed to study up to Primary 4. Due to age-related visual challenges, she is unable to read or write. She lost her husband many years ago, but through farming, she has sustained her livelihood to date. Presently, she is no longer able to work actively and now depends on support from her children. In the evenings, she spends most of her time listening to the radio as she rests. For the past eight years, Burasidia has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. Initially, the symptoms were intermittent, but over time, they have become persistent, causing significant discomfort. She sought care at several hospitals and was eventually referred to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital, to see a specialist. Upon examination, a hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus, was recommended. However, Burasidia and her family are unable to meet the cost of surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Burasidia receive treatment. On December 16th, she will undergo surgery, relieving her symptoms and allowing her a healthier life. Now, Burasidia needs help to fund this $243 procedure. Burasidia says, “I have had this condition for a long time and endured a lot of pain. However, due to limited finances, I have not been able to undergo surgery. I kindly appeal for your support so that I can have the surgery and restore my health to normal.”

Godwin is a four-year-old boy from Uganda who enjoys playing in nature. He is the third born in his mother's family of four children. Godwin's parents are small-scale farmers. Godwin's condition first started with a slight swelling in a sensitive part of his body. The swelling increased and started to cause pain, preventing him from sleeping or playing. With great hope, Godwin's parents took him to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital, where Godwin was diagnosed with a left inguinal scrotal hernia. He needs surgery to address his symptoms. Fortunately, on December 2nd, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $170 to fund Godwin's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Godwin's mother says, "I am requesting to be helped so that my child may be healthy. He is really suffering because I know how playful he is, but currently is not able to play because of this illness."

Melany is an intelligent, affectionate, and kind girl. She is known for being active and generous, always willing to share. She loves to play and explore the world around her. However, due to a condition in her teeth that appeared when she was just three years old, she has stopped smiling freely for fear of being teased by other children. Despite this, she remains cheerful and has dreams for the future: when she grows up, she wants to become a soccer player. Melany is scheduled for dental surgery on December 17th. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $868 to fund her treatment and care. The dental treatment under general anesthesia will help eliminate deep cavities. It will be performed under general anesthesia, which guarantees pain relief, anxiety control, and safety during the procedure. Before the procedure, a complete medical evaluation will be performed, and after the procedure, Melany will undergo a period of supervised recovery. Melany's parents say, "We are overjoyed to know that our daughter will be able to receive the treatment we have been waiting for. This step will not only help her regain the confidence to smile comfortably, but also improve her physical and emotional health. We cannot find the words to express our gratitude; we are convinced that Melany will be very happy to know that, thanks to your generosity and commitment, we will be able to overcome this condition together that has accompanied her since she was so young."

Anei is a five-year-old boy who lives with his parents and siblings in South Sudan. He is the youngest of five children and is a student, though recently his symptoms have interfered with his school attendance. His father cultivates sorghum and rears sheep, and his mother is a domestic laborer. Anei was born with a condition called a ventral hernia, the symptoms of which have worsened over time. Currently, he has difficulty playing and has not been able to attend school. His mother has become increasingly worried about the risks if his condition continues to go untreated, but the cost of surgery in South Sudan has been beyond the family's reach. When former patients told the family about our partner's medical care center in Kenya, they made a tremendous financial sacrifice by pausing their work and traveling to Kenya, with the hope that their precious boy would be well again. Our partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $864 to fund Anei's surgery, which will take place on December 9th. After recovery, Anei will be able to return home to play with other children and attend school without pain. Anei's mother shares, "My son has suffered for five years now, and it has been limiting him from playing like children of his age from lots of fear. Please help my son, and everything shall be fine for him."