11-year-old Allan lives in Kenya with his mother and older brother. His mother, who is a single parent, works as a tailor to support her family. Two years ago, Allan was playing with friends at school, when he tripped. By the next day, his leg was swollen and painful, and he was unable to walk. His mother quickly took him to the nearest dispensary, where he received an injection, but the pain didn't go away. The swelling continued to get worse. Allan was then taken to a district hospital, where an X-ray showed damage to the soft tissue in his leg. He was given medication, but the swelling and pain got even worse, and he began having trouble breathing. Allan was then admitted in another hospital for a week, where he was put on oxygen. He still couldn’t walk, and further scans revealed that he had broken bones. Allan was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where he had a fracture repair surgery in April 2023, to repair the damage. This was followed by another surgery in February 2024 to remove the plates from the first surgery, and to replace them with new ones that would better hold his bones together. Allan was to undergo a bone transport surgery towards the end of 2024, but his wound was severely infected, so he had to undergo several procedures in 2025 to clean and close up his wound, before he could proceed with the bone transport. His wound has been healing well, and he is now set to undergo bone transport surgery. Unfortunately, Allan's national health insurance is now depleted, due to the multiple surgeries. The income that Allan's mother earns barely covers the basic needs for her elder son, who is in high school, and Allan, who has required frequent medical care after his injury. She has been relying on the kindness of others to help with hospital bills, but has not been able to raise enough money for Allan’s upcoming surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,500 to cover the cost of Allan's surgery, which is scheduled to take place on February 4th, at AIC Kijabe Hospital. Allan is looking forward to a time when he will be fully recovered, and can return to school. He said: “My friends go to school, but I stay at home because of my leg injury. I am supposed to be in Grade 7, but for now, I stay at home.”

55-year-old Bernie is a hardworking custodian, who also repairs appliances to support his family. His wife Meraflor occasionally launders clothes to supplement their income. The family lives with their two sons in the Philippines. Two months ago, Bernie began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe stomach pain and difficulty breathing. He underwent surgery in September, but is presently still experiencing jaundice, which propelled him to seek a second medical opinion. After the consultation, he was advised to have his gallbladder removed. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen, and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. Frequent trips to the hospital for consultations, lab tests, and surgery have taken a significant toll on Bernie's family. Meraflor has been struggling with depression during this difficult time, while their eldest child has found it hard to concentrate on job applications because of his caregiving duties. Meanwhile, their younger son has put his education on hold to help take care of Bernie. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Bernie receive treatment. On October 18th, he is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being funded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128, to cover the cost of Bernie's surgery and care. Bernie says: "The possibility of supported surgery treatment will greatly relieve me and my family, allowing us to save for our children's education and other essential expenses. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Thank you all very much."

Everlyne is a 47-year-old woman from Kenya, who, after separating from her husband, took on the responsibility of raising her four children and two grandchildren on her own. She has been dedicated to ensuring that each of them receives an education, showing her unwavering commitment to their future. Previously, Everlyne supported her family by cooking and selling mandazi (doughnuts), providing much-needed income for food and school fees, with the assistance of her church community. Unfortunately, her life took a tragic turn in December 2023 when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road near her home. The driver who hit her took her to our medical partner's care centre, Nazareth Hospital, and subsequently disappeared. Everlyne suffered a closed fracture of the two long bones in her lower left leg, which required an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery. Since the accident, she has been unable to work, forcing her daughter to give up her nursing studies to care for her mother and siblings. Just a month ago, as Everlyne attempted to regain her mobility, she experienced severe pain and had to return to Nazareth Hospital. An X-ray revealed that her fracture had reoccurred, and the doctor has recommended another ORIF surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare are helping Everlyn receive treatment. On August 8th, she will undergo a fracture repair surgery, to alleviate pain and restore mobility upon recovery. Now, Everlyne needs help to fund this $1,048 procedure. Everlyne says: "I am experiencing significant pain and am very worried about my children, as they all depend on me. I kindly ask for your support as I pray for a successful surgery. I hope that my leg will heal so that I can continue running my small business and provide for my children."

Rachana is a 12-year-old student from Cambodia. She is the middle child among her two sisters. Her mother is a traditional craft weaver who works from home, while her father works as a corn farmer. Rachana is currently in 6th grade, and her favorite subject is English. She has shared that she hopes to learn to become a traditional weaver like her mother. At home, she enjoys reading and eating rice with beef and soy sauce. For the last year and a half, Rachana has been experiencing pain in her throat, coughing, a hoarse voice, and a recurrent sore throat. Frequent illness causes her to miss school and she has trouble paying attention in her classes when she is not feeling well. Rachana was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will help Rachana undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on August 30th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Rachana of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Rachana's family is able to contribute $75 but needs help to raise $190 more to fund the procedure. Rachana's mother shared, "I hope Rachana will soon be able to speak more easily and feel more comfortable at school."

Kennedy is a teenager from Kenya. He has an older sibling who lives with his parents, and Kennedy lives with his grandparents and some of his cousins. Kennedy's father was a security guard but had to stop working due to a chronic disease that has kept him in and out of the hospital for many years now. As a result, Kennedy's mother is the family's sole provider. She has a small kiosk she uses as a hotel at a local garage. Kennedy's family has national health insurance coverage, but have not been able to get coverage for his needed treatment. Kennedy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Because of this condition, Kennedy has been experiencing severe headaches and convulsions with loss of mobility from the left arm. Kennedy underwent two shunt insertion surgeries, but the shunt failed. He has been admitted to the High Dependency Unit at our medical partner's hospital for a few days now. Kennedy now needs to undergo a different surgery to help drain the excess cerebral spinal fluid in order for him to recover and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Kennedy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Kennedy to treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 16th. Kennedy's grandmother says, "It is very depressing for me as I have to bring him to the hospital every now and then. I want him to be treated and go back to his better condition."

Shane is a four-year-old toddler from Bolivia. She is the middle of three children and lives in a jungle valley in northern Bolivia where her parents are both farmers. When Shany began to walk, her parents noticed that she would become out of breath very easily. After several doctor visits she was diagnosed with a condition called pulmonary valvar and subvalvar stenosis, in which the area in and near one of the four valves of her heart is too narrow. Blood cannot pass easily through this valve, leaving her weak and short of breath. Surgery is recommended to repair her heart. Our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund Shane's surgery. During surgery, doctors will open the valve to a more normal size so that blood can circulate normally through her body. Her mother shares: "Our family is hopeful that after this surgery our daughter will be healthy and strong enough to start school."

Getrude is a 66-year-old humble and soft-spoken woman. She is married and the mother of eight children - five boys, and three girls. Her eldest son is a truck driver, two of her sons are in the bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) business, and the remaining two sons are farmers. Her daughters are all married and are local farmers. Getrude managed to study up to the primary level and now earns a living through her small banana and coffee plantation. Unfortunately, her husband is unable to work due to issues with diabetes and hypertension. Getrude was brought in by her daughter, who reported that she had been experiencing a protruding mass, backaches, and lower abdominal pain for the past six months. Her symptoms are exacerbated by lifting heavy objects or walking long distances. After examination by a doctor at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), she was diagnosed with uterine prolapse with an anterior cystocele. Fortunately, surgeons at AMH are able to help and have recommended that Gertrude undergo a hysterectomy and surgery to help relieve the pain she is experiencing in her abdomen, which will cost $243. Gertrude and her family are hopeful that this procedure will help relieve her pain, and that she will have no more problems. She shared “I am going through a lot of pain, I can do nothing at home, but I hope with surgery, I will get better.”

Men is a 15-year-old student, living with his mother, three brothers and one sister in Battambang province in Cambodia. Men and all of his siblings are in school, while his mother, who is divorced from his father, grows potatoes and rice. At school, Men enjoys Khmer literature, reading and writing in Khmer, and playing football with his friends. In January, Men was on a motorbike with a friend, when they were hit by a tractor. Men fractured his left femur, and fell hard onto the concrete injuring his shoulder. After the accident, Men's family took him to a provincial hospital for surgery on his femur. Subsequently, Men developed an infection - diagnosed as osteomyelitis - and he has also experienced improper healing of his fracture. As a result, Men is unable to walk, and is currently confined to a wheelchair. He is in pain, and he is also unable to use his left arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On June 2nd, Men will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $483 to fund this procedure, which should enable Men to walk again, and to return to school. Men's mother is hopeful that after surgery he can walk so he can go to school again.

Monika is a five-year-old student and the oldest child in her family. She just started the first grade. When she is not at school, Monika likes to play with other children around her house. In April, Monika was playing with friends and tripped causing a fracture of her left forearm. This injury has left Monika's arm red and swollen and has made it difficult for her to dress and feed herself. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On April 18th, Monika will undergo a fracture repair procedure and CSC is helping Monika and her family raise $483 to cover the cost of the surgery. This procedure will repair Monika's forearm, and she will be able to use her hand again. Her mother said, "I hope this surgery can fix her arm and she can return to school. It is hard to see her cry every day."

Vireak is an active nine-year-old boy. He is in the third grade and has one younger sister who is not yet in school. His parents are cashew farmers. Vireak likes reading books from school and helping his mother with housework when he isn't studying or playing with his friends. For the past several months,, Vireak has been experiencing difficulty swallowing when he eats, and has difficulty breathing at night. He has frequent fevers and sore throats, which have not improved with local medical treatment. He feels poorly and misses school, doesn't want to eat, and has trouble breathing well at night. Vireak was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Vireak, which is scheduled to take place on May 3rd. Vireak's parents have helped to raise $37 towards his surgery where surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Vireak of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Vireak says, "I hope I will feel better and can swallow, breathe better, and stop having throat infections."

Nob is a 31-year-old loving husband and father. He and his wife have two sons, ages seven and three, and one daughter, who is 10 years old in the third grade. Nob's wife works in a garment factory. Last month, Nob was in a traffic accident where fractured his left femur. After the accident, he underwent surgery at a local clinic. Unfortunately, after two days, when doctors ordered an angiogram, they discovered that his femoral artery had ruptured in the accident. His left leg is pale and cold, and doctors have recommended an amputation to save the rest of his leg. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is helping Nob receive treatment. On April 5th, he will undergo an amputation at CSC's care center. Now, he needs help raising $446 to fund his procedure and care. Nob shared, "I am thankful that I can use a prosthesis once I recover and return to work to support my family."

Charles is a hard working elderly man who farms along with his wife. They have ten children but are empty-nesters, as their children have all left home and have their own families. A year ago, Charles developed a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area. The condition causes him discomfort and makes it difficult for him to work. Upon review, doctors determined he will need to undergo surgery to finally heal. Fortunately, on February 15th, Charles will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at the care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). This procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. AMHF is requesting $146 to fund Charles's surgery. Charles shared, "If I can be treated, you will have done a great job because I have suffered for a very long time. After treatment, I will be able to continue farming even if I am an old man!"