Danna is a three-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, dad, and an older brother. Her father works in tourism, while her mother takes care of the children at home. Danna's mother noticed that she was not growing properly or gaining weight, so she took her to the hospital where her heart problem was discovered. Danna has a cardiac condition called patents ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Danna's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. Danna also has Down syndrome. On September 22nd, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Danna's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Her mother says: "I have a lot of hope, I pray the surgery goes well, she needs this surgery urgently."

Thiago is a three-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his parents, who both work in agriculture, and his two older siblings. Thiago's story of being diagnosed with a heart problem is unique. He accompanied his parents in a protest march against a law that threatened their community, walking for 28 days from the Bolivian Amazon to the city of La Paz. When they finally arrived, the high altitude of the city affected Thiago's breathing, causing the family to seek medical care. Doctors then discovered that Thiago has Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Thiago does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 26th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Thiago's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Thiago's father shares, "We are so happy that our son's surgery has been scheduled for this week, and we hope for the best."

Hikma is a charming 20-month-old girl who lives with her parents and older brother in Ethiopia. Her parents were small-scale farmers until they were displaced due to war in their area. Now, her mother is a dedicated home maker, and her father works as a daily laborer. As with many other displaced families, it has been difficult for them to afford their daily necessities. Hikma was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital condition that can lead to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. However, the symptoms were not obvious until she was around one year old. Her mother was deeply distressed by what she observed and immediately informed Hikma’s grandmother, who then began seeking for medical assistance. To avoid social stigma, however, the family tried to keep Hikma’s condition private. Eventually, the grandmother came across a Catholic missionary organization, which connected the family with a field coordinator of our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). With the support of relatives and the Catholic missionaries, Hikma's family raised funds to travel to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors explained that Hikma would need a series of surgeries to eliminate bowel dysfunction. The family was relieved and encouraged to hear that Hikma could be helped. Presently, Hikma has already undergone the first surgery, a colostomy creation, and recovered well. Now, Hikma needs support for her second surgery, which will occur on April 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Hikma's procedure and care. After her recovery, Hikma will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Hikma’s mother said, “I would like to thank you sincerely for your support and the services you provided. Thank you again. I truly hope my child will grow up to be a wonderful woman.”

Kesnel is a 14-year-old student from Haiti. He is the youngest in a family of six; his father works in construction, and his mother is a vendor. Before his health issues, Kesnel enjoyed playing soccer with friends and studying at school. Kesnel has been diagnosed with a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the valves in his heart does not open and close properly due to an infection he suffered earlier in childhood, and as a result, his heart cannot adequately circulate blood through his body. Kesnel needs to travel to the Dominican Republic for treatment. On March 23rd, Kesnel will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally; if they are unable to do so, they will instead remove it and implant an artificial replacement. While another organization, Mitral Foundation, is funding Kesnel's surgical procedure, his family will also need help to fund his pre-operative costs. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It will also support securing travel documents for the family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Kesnel's family overseas. Looking to the future, Kesnel says: "I am excited to have a healthy heart so I can go back to school and play soccer with my friends!"

Brian is a 22-year old sociable and ambitious young man from Kenya, who carries dreams bigger than his circumstances. He is the second of four children in his family, and currently enrolled in a course on Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in college. January was supposed to mark the beginning of his final academic journey, the last stretch toward the life he envisioned. However, on December 27th, 2025, everything changed. He was on his way home when the motorcycle he was on collided with a speeding vehicle. He jumped off the motorcycle, but the vehicle ran over his leg. He was rushed to AIC Kapsowar Hospital for emergency care, and underwent irrigation and debridement the same day, followed by a repeat procedure two days later. Once the wound was confirmed clean, he underwent fracture repair surgery, and was discharged two days later in stable condition. At his one-week follow-up clinic, the wound was healing well with no signs of infection. He was instructed to return the following week for suture removal and review. Unfortunately, because of the distance to the hospital, Brian sought care at a facility closer to home. His sutures were removed, and a plaster was applied, a measure that had not been advised by AIC Kapsowar Hospital. His wound was thereafter not closely monitored, and over time it broke down. Brian returned to AIC Kapsowar Hospital hospital on January 30th and was diagnosed with an infected implant and developing osteomyelitis. He underwent an urgent surgical washout, removal of the infected implant, and insertion of an antibiotic nail. He was admitted for intravenous antibiotics and intensive wound care. With time and treatment, signs of healing began to show. He was then taken back to the theatre for further wound cleaning, flap coverage, and skin grafting to promote closure. Although progress has been made, he still has a residual wound opening. After consultation between the orthopedic and plastic surgery teams, another perforator flap and skin graft procedure has been recommended. Brian’s mother has done everything she can to support her son. The family's social health insurance cover has reached the maximum limit. Brian's mother runs a small grocery shop, while his father is a driver. Their combined income is not consistent and cannot cover the cost of the upcoming surgery and continued treatment. Brian’s dream of completing his course and building a better future now relies on timely medical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Brian receive treatment. On February 24th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to achieve full closure and prevent further complications. Now, Brian's family needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Brian says, "I was hoping to complete my studies this year if I had reported in January. It looks like I will be delayed because I am not feeling well now. Please help me, so that I can go back to school and complete my final year."

Gideon is a 10-year-old boy from Kenya, and the fifth-born in a family of seven children. Gideon’s parents first noticed a problem with his leg when he was only two months old. As he got older, it became evident that he was not developing like other children. Gideon was later diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement on one side of the body and makes walking difficult. Because of this condition, Gideon has faced many challenges. Although he is 10 years old, he is currently a Grade 1 pupil, whereas he should be in Grade 4. Difficulty in mobility has delayed his education, and limited his ability to play and move freely like other children. Despite these challenges, Gideon is a calm and hopeful child who longs to walk well and enjoy school like his peers. His father works as a herder, while his mother is a housewife who takes care of the family. Gideon’s parents have remained supportive and continue to hope for a better future for their son. His father shared his heartfelt wish, saying, “I want my child’s legs to be treated so that he can walk well like other children.” Gideon has clubfoot of right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Gideon traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on January 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gideon's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will improve his mobility, regain confidence, and continue his education without limitations. “I work hard as a herder, and my greatest hope is that this treatment will help Gideon walk better and go on with his schooling.” Gideon's father said.

Eh Mu is a 26-year-old woman from Burma who lives with her husband, her parents, older sister, older brother, younger sister, younger brother, her son and her nephew in a refugee camp in Thailand. Eh Mu and her family fled to the refugee camp in 2022 due to an airstrike and fighting in her village. Her parents are retired while her older brother and husband sometimes went to work outside of the camp as day laborers, while her older sister looks after a dormitory in the camp. Her son is a nursery school student. Eh Mu is a homemaker and makes custom dresses on order. During her free time, Eh Mu loves to play with her three-year-old son, spend time with her family, and listen to music on her phone. Eh Mu 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. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Eh Mu undergo a C-Section on December 22nd at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Eh Mu needs your support. Eh Mu said, “When I noticed my pregnancy, I started feel stress instead of happy. I worry that if I need to deliver my baby through surgery, then I cannot afford to pay for the surgery. When I gave birth through c-section in Burma for my first baby, at that time the treatment cost is less but here in Thailand is very expensive for what I heard from my friend. At first, I was thinking of returning to Burma to give birth, but fighting continues in my village and it is not safe to return so I have no other option. After I learned from the doctor that there will be an organization who will support my surgery cost, I feel like all my stress and worries are gone. I am happy and thankful to BCMF and all their donors who are available for me during this difficult time”.

Dita is an 11-year-old bright boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys studying and spending time with his family. He also loves playing football with his siblings and friends. His father is a farmer who occasionally works as a day laborer, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker. Dita was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Dita is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 3rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Dita's father expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for the services you provide us. May God bless you. I hope my child will become as healthy as my other children."

Kanjibora is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in a large family of 11 children. His father has two wives, and both parents are hardworking farmers who grow maize and cotton to support their families. Kanjibora studied up to Standard 4 but had to drop out due to the pain and long walking distances to school. Despite this, he remains cheerful and spends his time helping his parents on the farm. Kanjibora was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, causing his legs to bow. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. His condition became more noticeable as he grew older, making walking and standing for long periods painful. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Kanjibora. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 7th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Kanjibora's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Kanjibora says, "I hope I will one day be able to go to school again."