Burke is a 13-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He has a passion for taekwondo and a love for riding his bicycle. He enjoys seeing his mother happy and takes pride in helping his siblings. His favorite subject is English, and he is known for his kindness, sociability, and ability to initiate conversations, making him well-liked among his peers. Burke’s mother is a single parent to three children. She works hard as a bread vendor, baking and selling bread, and washing clothes for neighbors to support her family. Burke was born with hypospadias, a congenital condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, Burke is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,231 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Burke's mother said, "I pray that God will help him. I don't know what to expect. If he receives surgery and heals, I will be very happy and grateful."

Simon is a 6-year-old from Tanzania with a spirit full of curiosity and energy! He loves spending most of his time outdoors, exploring and playing with other children in his village. Simon's story is one of resilience in the face of great personal loss. Both of his parents have passed away, and he now lives with his grandparents. Despite the hardships he has experienced, Simon remains determined, active, and cheerful. His grandparents are livestock keepers who rely on traditional pastoralism to support Simon and the rest of the family. Their livelihood is modest, but providing for Simon's medical needs has become challenging. Simon has clubfoot on the right foot, which has significantly affected his ability to walk comfortably or cover long distances. 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. Simon's condition has grown more severe the longer it has been untreated, thus limiting his mobility and causing him pain. Fortunately, Simon's family was able to travel to our medical partner's care center. There, surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on May 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Simon's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his mobility will improve. His caregivers are hopeful that with the right medical support, Simon will soon be able to walk and run freely like other children his age. Simon's grandmother said, "Simon's condition has led to his siblings leaving him behind with no company. I hope the treatment will make it possible for him to enjoy the company of his siblings."

Chit is a 26-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, her daughter, two siblings, and her parents in an internally displaced camp in the Karenni State, Burma. Her brother and sister are still attending school in the camp. Their family income is just enough to cover their household expenses. Additionally, they harvest vegetables from the jungle sometimes for their consumption. During her free time, Chit loves cooking. Chit is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. The hospital at the camp is not equipped to perform c-sections. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Chit undergo a C-section on May 2nd at their care center, Mae Sariang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Chit needs your support. "I am excited to bring joy to my family with the arrival of my baby boy and to also open a shop in the IDP camp after I give birth," Chit said.

Linn is a 12-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, older sister and younger sister in the village in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. He and his family fled to Thailand from Burma in 2021. Currently, his father works as a day laborer at a construction site and his mother is a homemaker. Linn and his siblings are students at the migrant school in Mae Sot, Thailand. The family income is just enough to cover their daily expenses. For basic health care, they usually visit to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot with free health care services. On 9th February 2025, Linn and his father were on a motorcycle when they got into an accident. Linn fell and was unconscious for a short period of time. Their family friend took them to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) immediately. Upon arrival, Linn underwent some physical examination and was advised to come back in the morning for some oral prescriptions. Linn and his father returned to their home, where he started experiencing vomiting and a headache. The following day, Linn’s symptoms worsened and he was brought back to MTC. He was transferred to our medical partner care center, Mae Sot Hospital (MSH), for further investigations and treatment. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is helping Linn receive treatment. On March 10th, he will undergo treatment at Mae Sot Hospital. While the team at MSH, originally planned for an emergency surgery with a high cost of care, his medical team has updated the treatment plan for a CT scan as his condition is improving. His family is now requesting $414 to cover the cost of this procedure and care. Linn looks forward to going back to school after recovery. Linn’s father expressed his gratitude, saying “Thank you so much to the organization (BCMF) and the donors for your assistance with my son’s treatment costs. We are so pleased that we got this opportunity. Without you, my son’s care would not be possible."

Valentina is a little girl from Bolivia. She is a very active girl who always wants to play and run. She lives with her older brother and parents very high in the mountains of Bolivia. Valentina has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Valentina also has Down syndrome. On March 5th, Valentina will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will close the hole with a patch so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to help cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Valentina's father shared, "We pray that Valentina's surgery goes smoothly so she can be healthy."

Timatayo is a 37-year-old man from South Sudan who has faced unimaginable challenges. After fleeing his war-torn homeland, he found refuge in a camp in Turkana County in Kenya, where he lives with his wife and young child. Sadly, most of his other family members remain in South Sudan, and the family relies on the generosity of sponsors and well-wishers for their daily needs. Timatayo has persevered through life's hardships, finding strength in his faith as a pastor within the camp. He has some education but had to leave his work in construction when contracts ended. In 2017, he faced health issues, initially treated for ulcers, but later diagnosed with hypertension. His condition worsened, leading to kidney failure in December 2024, which now requires him to undergo dialysis twice a week. To facilitate his treatment, Timatayo relocated to Eldoret to stay with his cousin, as he needs access to a larger medical facility. During his care, his doctor recommended surgery to create a fistula in his arm, which is necessary for his dialysis sessions. Unfortunately, Timatayo lacks medical insurance and is unable to afford the cost of this important surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Timatayo receive treatment. On February 5th, he will undergo surgery at AIC Kapsowar Hospital, providing him a chance at a healthier future. Now, Timatayo needs help to fund this $1,127 procedure. He says, "My dialysis access has been complicated by issues related to the temporary catheter, but I remain hopeful knowing that I will soon have a working fistula to make access easier."

Damiano is a bright and cheerful nine-year-old boy from Karatu, Tanzania. As the second child in his family, Damiano loves going to school and cherishes the time he spends with his friends. However, his ability to fully engage in activities is limited due to a condition he was born with. Damiano’s father works as a motorcycle taxi operator, but his income is not enough to support their family of five, especially when it comes to covering Damiano’s necessary treatments. Damiano has a condition called clubfoot, which causes his feet to be turned inwards. This means that walking can be quite challenging for him, and wearing shoes is difficult. Fortunately, Damiano's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on November 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to fund Damiano's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Damiano's father says: "I hope his treatment goes well, as I want to see him enjoy playtime with his friends without having to worry about any pain."

Venessa is a four-year-old girl from Kamenya village in Homa Bay County, Kenya. She is the youngest of two children and lives with her mother, a single parent. Her mother works as a casual laborer in a salon to support her children and ensure Venessa receives the care she needs. Despite the many challenges, her mother remains determined to improve Venessa’s condition and give her a better future. Venessa was born with multiple conditions, including bilateral clubfoot, hydrocephalus, and spina bifida. Over the years, Venessa's mother has made countless trips to various hospitals seeking the best treatment for her daughter. Venessa has already undergone surgeries for hydrocephalus and spina bifida, which have greatly improved her health. However, her treatment journey is not yet done. Currently, Venessa is undergoing serial casting at our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital, to prepare for corrective surgery for her clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition where one's foot turns inward and downward, making it difficult to walk and wear shoes, She is scheduled to undergo clubfoot repair surgery on December 12th. This procedure will correct the position of her feet, allowing her to stand upright and, with time, hopefully, walk and live a more independent life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Venessa’s surgery and follow-up care. This treatment will have a significant impact on Venessa’s quality of life and help her take the next steps toward living like other children her age. “I haven’t given up on my daughter, and I will support her until she walks on her feet and lives an active and healthy life,” shared Venessa’s mother.

Meet Sithorn, a 14-year-old girl who lives with her parents and three siblings in Prey Veng province in Cambodia. Her father is a construction worker, while her mother works in a clothing factory. Her oldest brother is a waiter, while her younger siblings are in primary school. Sithorn dropped out of eighth grade at the start of the school year, due to back pain, which made it difficult for her to sit comfortably at her desk. She now stays at home to help her mother with cooking, cleaning the house, and taking care of her younger siblings. Several months ago, Sithorn's mother noticed an abnormal curvature of her daughter's spine, which was later diagnosed as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). This condition, which typically develops between the ages of ten and 18, causes Sithorn's spine to curve sideways in an "S" shape. Sithorn complains of back pain that extends to her neck, making it hard for her to sit for long periods. She also experiences fullness in her chest, and difficulty breathing, especially at night. Fortunately, our medical partner, the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On September 11th, surgeons will perform posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct the curvature of Sithorn's spine. Sithorn's mother can only afford $100 toward her daughter’s care and needs your help to raise the remaining $1,400 for the surgery, hospitalization, post-operative medication, and physiotherapy. This surgery will help alleviate Sithorn's pain, improve her posture, and enable her to return to school again. Sithorn shared, "I hope my surgery will be successful so I can return to school and focus on my studies."

Jennifer is a single parent from the Philippines. Jennifer lives with her mother and son. She works as an office staff and serves as the main provider for her family. Her mother receives a small monthly pension and helps her with the family expenses. Jennifer loves doing household chores in her free time. One year ago, Jennifer began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain on the abdominal side of her body that affected her back. Jennifer was diagnosed with chronic calculous cholecystitis or gallstones. Jennifer has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Jennifer is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 14th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Jennifer's surgery and care. Jennifer says "Thank you very much to all of you who will donate for my surgery. Thank you very much for your generosity. This will greatly affect our lives as I will be able to function better as a daughter and a mother."

Kanika is a thirteen-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives with her mother and younger brother in Pursat Province, near the border with Thailand. Kanika's mother sells groceries at home, and her father works at a factory in Korea to support the family. Kanika is currently in seventh grade and enjoys her geography class. She has shared that she wants to work in Korea like her father when she is older. At home, Kanika's favorite meal is fried fish with rice, and she likes doing her homework and helping take care of her younger brother. Kanika has been diagnosed with both Marfan syndrome and scoliosis, which are complex conditions leading to pronounced spinal deformities. These conditions affect her physical appearance, making her fingers and toes long and slender and causing a sunken chest. Marfan syndrome also impacts her heart function. Her scoliosis results in severe double curves in the thoracic and lumbar regions. These conditions make her feel uncomfortable at school, and in social situations, impacting her daily life. Kanika and her mother were referred by a public hospital in Phnom Penh to our medical center, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for spine treatment. On September 4th, specialized spinal surgeons will perform a fusion surgery to stabilize and correct Kanika’s severe spinal curvature. The surgeons will use implants and bone grafts to join the vertebrae together. Kanika’s mother can only afford $100 toward her daughter’s care and needs your help to raise the remaining $1,400 for the surgery, hospitalization, implants, post-operative medication, and physiotherapy. This procedure will help relieve Kanika’s discomfort, improve posture, and prevent future complications. Kanika's mother shared, "I hope that my daughter will be able to live comfortably and continue her schooling."

Marlyn is a mother of three from the Philippines. She is a stay-at-home mother who attends to the needs of her children, especially her two-month-old baby. Her husband works as a factory worker, earning just enough for the family's everyday needs. Eight years ago, Marlyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain which radiates through her back. There was even a time when Marlyn experienced the pain for three consecutive days and her family rushed her to the hospital. Marlyn was found to have stones in her gallbladder. However, she did not go through with the surgery because of their financial incapacity. She was prescribed medications and was discharged. Because of her condition, her husband would skip work to take care of the children. Marlyn has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Marlyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on July 5th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Marlyn's surgery and care. Maryln shared: "I am very grateful that I found Watsi and Our Lady of Peace Hospital because, after eight years, I finally have the chance to get treated. Thank you to everyone who will make this possible for me and my family."