Two-month-old Maritu lives with her family in Ethiopia. She was born with no anal opening—a condition known as anorectal malformation. Due to this, she is unable to pass stool normally. “Maritu presented with partial bowel obstruction at the age of one week,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), explains. “A colostomy was performed urgently. Maritu has recovered both from the surgery and the obstructive symptoms but still has a colostomy and an imperforate anus. Now, she needs a definitive surgery for the correction of her anomaly.” Maritu’s father works as a farmer to provide for his six children, but he does not earn enough money to pay for the surgery that Maritu needs. For $1,500, Maritu will undergo an anorectoplasty to create a new anal opening so that she can pass stool normally. AMHF tells us that after surgery, “Maritu is expected to live a normal life.” Maritu’s father hopes that one day his daughter will be well enough to go to school.

Five-month-old Stella lives in Tanzania with her parents and three siblings. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us that "when Stella turned two months, she had severe fever and fits." Despite a few weeks in the hospital, "her mother noticed the size of her baby’s head was getting bigger. Stella’s activity slowly started to diminish and crying became normal for her." Stella’s symptoms are caused by hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain, causing the head to swell. According to AMHF, “Stella is at risk of losing her vision if not treated. She may also not be able to sit, stand or walk due to the size of her head.” Stella’s condition can be treated with hydrocephalus shunt surgery. During surgery, excess CSF will be drained, relieving her of the swelling and pressure in her head. This will eliminate the risk of vision-loss, and give Stella the chance to reach her developmental milestones. To support their family, Stella's mother does bead work and her father works as a livestock keeper, but they are unable to afford treatment for their daughter. Treatment costs $775, which includes surgical fees, wound dressings for two weeks, pain management, a five day stay in the hospital, and two weeks at a rehabilitation center. “I pray that my baby will get better. I will be very happy to see her grow up like other children,” says Stella’s mom.

Meet Hezron, a 19-month-old boy who lives with his mother and older sibling in Kenya. “Hezron was born with an abnormal urethral opening, forcing him to pee with a lot of difficulty,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “His mother sought treatment when he was six months old, but she could not raise the required funds for his treatment.” Hezron’s condition, known as hypospadias, is characterized by a urethral opening on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip and often contributes to other health issues. “If not treated,” AMHF explains, “Hezron is likely to suffer urinary tract infections. He will also not be able to pass urine normally.” To treat hypospadias, a surgeon takes tissue grafts from the foreskin or from the inside of the mouth to extend the length of the urethra so that it opens at the tip of the penis. After surgery, “Hezron will be able to pass urine normally,” explains AMHF. “The risk of urinary tract infections will also be minimized.” Hezron’s mother, who sells second-hand clothes to support her family, has not been able to raise the total funds required to pay for the surgery that Hezron needs. $655 pays for Hezron to undergo surgery to repair the hypospadias as well as 10 days of hospital care after surgery. Family and friends have contributed $215 to cover additional costs associated with his care. “I try to give my children the best,” Herzon's mother says. “I have no one to look up to, and I’ll appreciate any support.”

Meet Melany a 15-month-old girl who lives with her parents, grandparents, and brother in rural Guatemala. A little girl who loves to play with dolls, her mother hopes she will one day attend school. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) tells us, however, “Melany is suffering from malnutrition and a cough. Although her weight is only just below average, her height is roughly 4 standard deviations below. This is a sign that she is not receiving adequate nutrients, and as a result her physical and mental growth is being compromised.” WK explains, “Malnutrition can lead to life-long obstructions, including increased risk of chronic and acute illness as well as limited physical and brain development. Limited development causes poor performance in school and an inability to obtain and maintain a well-paying job in adulthood. Pushing the cycle of poverty forward.” Melany’s grandparents work in nearby fields while her mother tends to the house, but they are still unable to afford treatment for malnutrition. With $535 in funding, Melany will receive a nutritional regimen that includes micronutrient and food supplements to ensure that she consumes the nutrients she needs to grow, gain mental focus, and strengthen her immune system. Melanie will also receive medication for her cough, and her parents will receive intensive nutritional education so that they can continue to support their daughter’s growth. WK tells us Melany’s mother “hopes her daughter grows up healthy and strong and will use her intelligence to become a great person or a professional in the future.” Melany’s mother shares,“ It is a fight to become someone important in the future.” With a little help that fight will become much easier for little Melany.

Meet Francis, a 13-year-old boy from Kenya. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), says, “Francis is the fourth born in a family of seven and all of his siblings are in school, where Francis is in class five.” Francis’s parents used to farm in a forest, until they were given notice to stop because some people were illegally cutting trees in the area. AMHF says, “Now Francis’s father works as a casual laborer on nearby farms, and he is barely able to put food on the table at the end of the day; his family has had to go many days without food.” Two weeks ago, Francis broke both of his legs. AMHF tells us, “Francis was in the forest playing with friends and looking for firewood for the household to use when he fell from a tree.” Both of his legs have bilateral midshaft femur fractures, and because of this he cannot walk and is on pain management medication. AMHF goes on to say, “If the surgery is not done soon, Francis could develop infection or suffer malunion and he would not be able to attend school in September - but if treated, he will be able to use crutches and move around a bit.” Francis needs orthopedic surgery to open the area around the broken bones and realign them with metal hardware. This procedure costs $1,410 and AMHF reports, “After the surgery and recovery, Francis will be able to resume school and walk normally again.” “I was begging the hospital to treat my son and hold me here to work off the bill when the doctor called," his father shares. "This support is a miracle from God.”

“When Nuon isn't working, she enjoys reading the religious works and listening to the monks pray,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Meet Noun, a 63-year-old mother of three and grandmother to nine from Cambodia. “Nuon has had cataracts in her left eye for over 11 years,” reports CSC. This condition can cause blurry and dim vision, as the lens of the eye becomes clouded. Due to this condition, Nuon has a hard time working and walking long distances. $150 will fund Nuon’s cataract surgery and post-operative care. The cataract surgery involves removing the affected lens and replacing it with a clear implant. The surgery will only take one hour and Nuon will be able to return home on the same day. Soon after the procedure, Nuon will have restored vision. With this procedure, Nuon can avoid functional blindness and improve her quality of life. CSC adds, “After surgery Nuon is excited to be able to read easily again, do her job better, join in ceremonies, and regain her independence.”

Meet Sadayo, a toddler from Kenya. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Sadayo has hypospadias: a condition in which “his urethral opening is lower on the head of the shaft of his penis and he [therefore] cannot pass urine normally.” This not only causes pain when Sadayo tries to urinate, but “Sadayo is [also] likely to experience urinary tract infections. He might also suffer impotence if not treated,” shares AMHF. “Sadayo and his mother live in a small shelter lent to them by a well-wisher because they were living on the streets," AMHF continues. "Sadayo's father is mentally challenged and still lives in the streets.” “Sadayo's mother works as a casual laborer; washing people’s clothes and doing any farming tasks to help her support herself and her son” – inconsistent work that fails to provide enough income for Sadayo’s mother to afford the surgery her son needs. Sadayo and his mother were brought to AMHF by a concerned neighbor who saw the baby’s situation and knew that AMHF would be able to help. With $655 in funding, Sadayo will receive the surgery he needs to reconstruct the urinary channel in the proper position, thus correcting the hypospadias. The doctors share, “If treated, Sadayo will be less likely to suffer urinary tract infections and impotence. He will be able to pass urine normally.” In the words of Sadayo’s kindhearted neighbor, “I really feel for this baby, I wish I had better ways of helping him. I have been praying that God may open ways for him to get treatment, and I have no doubts that He has heard my prayers.”

“I love working on the farm with my husband,” Jane says. “I am also taking care of our oldest son and I need to be in good health to ensure that I can support him as he goes through recovery.” This is Jane, a married mother of five from Kenya. Jane’s husband was a driver for a company but has stopped working due to vision problems related to his diabetes. He now helps Jane on their farm where they have planted beans and vegetables. Their eldest son is recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and requires a great deal of their attention and care. One daughter works as a nurse and the other three children work odd jobs to support themselves. “Jane has been experiencing abdominal pain for more than two months,” her doctor at African Mission Healthcare Foundation tells us. “She is also experiencing sporadic bleeding and spotting after attending any call of nature. Jane has not been able to work in her farm for the past few months. If not treated soon, the bleeding could lead to development of anemia. The hernia could result incarceration of the intestine and this would further complicate her treatment.” A total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and hernia repair are necessary to treat Jane’s uterine fibroids and umbilical hernia. However, Jane and her family have not been able to raise the money for her treatment. For $800, we can make sure Jane has access to the care she needs. “We expect that after the surgery and recovery, Jane will be able to once again join her husband to work on their farm," AMHF adds..

Meet William, a baby boy from Tanzania. When William was two days old, he was diagnosed with Hirschprung Disease -- a condition in which the nerves never fully develop in the large intestine, causing many digestive issues. “William will not develop and grow like other children with this deformity,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. “He will not be able to process food and pass stool. It is not compatible with life.” William's father has a limited income from farming, but his parents are unable to afford the surgery necessary to remove part of his large intestine. AMHF can perform the surgery for $975, and it is expected that William will subsequently make a full recovery. “I pray my child will grow to be healthy,” William’s mother tells us.

“I am glad that our daughter will get treatment. I thank God and I am hopeful for a successful surgery,” shares Favour’s mother. Say hello to Favour, a little girl only 15-days-old! Favour was born with spina bifida, which has resulted in a swollen mass on her lower back. If surgery is not done soon, Favour is at risk for developing an infection coupled with a tethered cord, which can lead to kyphosis or scoliosis. She is the last born of her eight siblings and lives with her brothers and sisters and parents in Kenya. Favour’s parents have a small farm where they grow maize and vegetables for their consumption and sell surplus to the market. Their income does not allow to Favour’s parents to pay for the surgery she needs. For $805, we can provide Favour with a spina bifida closure, which will surgically correct the spina bifida. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, “After the surgery, Favour will be able to live a normal life with no risk of infection nor spinal complications.”

“I just want to be able to walk properly without feeling pain so that I can keep up with other pupils when playing at school,” shares Kijana, a 10-year-old student from Tanzania. The fifth of seven children, Kijana is friendly and very talkative. He enjoys singing and learning how to read and write at school. Kijana’s parents are small scale farmers who work additional odd jobs to earn enough money to support their large family. Even so, they are unable to afford surgery to treat Kijana’s genu valgum, or knocked knees, caused by fluorosis. “Kijana walks with difficulties due to the condition of his legs,” explains our medical partner African Mission Healthcare Foundation. “He sometimes complains of pain on his knees and ankles. If not treated, Kijana’s ability to perform various tasks effectively will be poor and he will also be at high risk of developing early osteoarthritis.” For $940, we can fund a series of casting and surgical procedures that will help to realign Kijana’s legs. Following surgery, Kijana’s gait will improve, his risk for early osteoarthritis will decrease, and he will be able to walk properly to school without feeling pain. Let’s help Kijana return to school well enough to join in the games with his fellow pupils!

“I love teaching, and I am looking forward to working with young minds and making a difference,” says 22-year-old Caroline from Kenya. Though she grew up without her parents, Caroline has just graduated from college with support from her grandmother and community. She is now certified to teach pre-school, and is actively looking for work. When Caroline was young, she burned her foot and was unable to get proper treatment. She now wears an orthopedic boot, but cannot walk well, tires easily and gets frequent blisters when walking long distances. “If contracture release surgery is not done, Caroline will not be able to walk well, and she is likely to develop an infection whenever blisters are not well treated,” explain our partners at African Mission Healthcare Foundation. For $1,125, we can fund burn contracture release surgery and comprehensive follow-up care for Caroline’s foot, which will enable her to walk well and without risk of blisters and infections. Let’s help Caroline enjoy normal, pain-free mobility so that she can teach young minds no matter how far away they may be!