James is a young student from Kenya. He is in seventh grade and lives with his family. James was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, James has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. James will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on May 21. AMHF is requesting $459 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. “We are pleading for support to help James. We were told of the possible complications and we would not imagine him unable to father his own children in the future, yet we are in a very difficult financial situation," says his sister.

Hel Tha Gal is a two-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, and they are farmers. He loves to play with any toys that he sees. Hel Tha Gal was recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which has caused fluid to build up in his brain. Without immediate surgery to alleviate the intracranial pressure that the excess fluid is causing, he is at risk of developing severe, potentially fatal medical complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for Hel Tha Gal, which will drain the fluid that has accumulated in his brain. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18, and, once completed, will greatly improve Hel Tha Gal's quality of life. His father says, "I am looking forward to see my son recovering after his treatment."

Nathan is a toddler from Haiti. He lives with his mother and grandparents in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. He attends preschool, and loves learning about trucks and planes. Nathan has a cardiac condition called severe pulmonary stenosis. One of the four valves in his heart is too narrow, causing blood to back up into his heart and leading to hearth failure. If left untreated, this could be fatal. Nathan will fly to Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On April 7, he will undergo cardiac surgery. During the procedure, a balloon will be used to stretch Nathan's valve open to a more normal size. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is contributing $15,000 to pay for surgery. Nathan's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Nathan's family overseas. His mother says, "Our family is so excited that Nathan can have this surgery and will no longer be in danger!"

Odam is a fifth grader from Cambodia. He has two younger sisters and a brother. He likes studying the Khmer language and wants to be a teacher when he grows up. A month ago, Odam was playing with his friends when he fell and dislocated his right elbow. It is difficult for him to use his arm, and he cannot bend his elbow. He is in pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 1, Odam will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $430. This procedure will help him use his right arm again. He says, "I look forward to going home and playing football with my friends again."

Muhimbo is a child from Uganda. He is 12 years old and an only child. Muhimbo is in fifth grade. He is the team captain for his class football team. About ten years ago, Muhimbo developed a left inguinal hernia. Due to the swelling, Mugisa is unable to walk long distances. Fortunately, on April 18, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Muhimbo's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Muhimbo says, "After surgery I will resume playing football and support my class team."

Nembabazi is a child from Uganda. He has three siblings. His mother is a tailor, and his father a carpenter. For two years, Nembabazi has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area. This has caused him great discomfort. Fortunately, on May 22, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $139 to fund Nembabazi's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. His mother says, “I hope my son gets relieved of this condition and I continue with tailoring for my family’s well-being.”

Abraham is a two-year-old boy from Tanzania. His father is a farmer, and his mother stays home to take care of him. He was born healthy but suffered a terrible fire accident when he was one month old. While sleeping, he fell out of bed and rolled. His right foot landed on the ashes of the burning fire. This injury left him with a contracture, whereby his toes have attached to his tibia. Now, he cannot straighten his leg, which is painful and prevents him from walking. Abraham needs to undergo a foot amputation. After recovery, he will be able to walk with a prosthesis. Surgery is scheduled for April 20, and his family needs help raising $1,035 to fund the procedure. Abraham’s grandmother says, “I am grateful that my grandson will get this treatment and that he will be able to walk without difficulty or pain. Please help him.”

Joseph is a toddler from Haiti. He lives in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince with his parents and older sisters. He is a friendly and outgoing child and likes drawing and music. Joseph has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels near the heart, and blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen. This leaves him sick and short of breath. Joseph will fly to Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On April 11, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will use a catheter to insert a device into the hole, sealing it off. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is contributing $15,000 to pay for surgery. Joseph's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Joseph's family overseas. His mother says, "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping Joseph become healthy!"