Diana was born on February 7, 2010, and she is the first born in a family of two children. Diana is a happy and talkative little girl, and she loves to sing. She is in kindergarten and enjoys singing the a, b, c song as well as learning how to count numbers. Diana was born with a closed meningomyelocele (MMC) as well as unilateral clubfoot. She has an open mass on her back leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and she cannot walk straight due to her foot being turned inward. When she was still a baby, the doctors referred her to a different hospital for MMC closure. Diana’s mother took her to the other hospital as directed, but she kept being given follow-up dates for three consecutive months, and eventually Diana’s mother decided to return home. Diana is now able to walk, but the mass on her lower back is still there and if she accidentally hurts herself she will be at risk of losing CSF, creating bigger health problems. Diana is also at risk of acquiring hydrocephalus. Diana’s mother is a tailor and her father does small business of buying and selling charcoal. They work very hard to take good care of their children. The cost of treatment which Diana needs is just too high for them to afford. For $1220, Diana will receive the treatment she needs to get healthy again. Diana will have no chance of losing CSF through her lower back, and she will be able to walk with a normal gait. Diana’s mother wishes her daughter to have the ability to walk properly so that she can fully attend classes. Let's help make it happen!

Joseph is a happy and active eleven-year-old boy from Tanzania. He was born in August 2004. Joseph is the fourth born in a family of eight children. He is in class four and enjoys science and English subjects. He also likes running, playing football, as well as playing a local marble game. Joseph was born without any problems. Three years ago, a small swelling became visible on the front part of his neck. As time went by, the swelling kept growing bigger, and was diagnosed as a cystic hygroma. Although it is not painful, Joseph’s parents are concerned because their son’s health seems to be deteriorating. His parents share that he sometimes becomes very moody. If not treated, the mass may grow until it invades all vital structures and compromises his airway. Joseph needs a mass excision surgery, where the swelling will be surgically removed to prevent any future complications. The surgery will cost $920, which includes all pre- and post-operative care. Joseph's parents are small scale farmers. They mostly grow maize and sugarcane. With such a big family to support and children to take to school, coming up with the funds to cover the cost of surgery which Joseph needs has not been easy. "Joseph wishes to become a doctor when he grows up," his parents share. Let's help him get healthy and focus on his dream without his current condition to worry about.