Rose is a 55-year-old woman from Kiambu County, Kenya. She is married with three grown-up children. Rose and her husband make a living by doing whatever odd jobs they can find in their neighborhood. However, there are times when work is scarce, leaving them without enough to eat. For the past month, Rose has been experiencing severe heartburn, regurgitation, and epigastric pains that sometimes become unbearable. She sought help at several health centers, but unfortunately, the relief was elusive. Rose walked 8 kilometers to seek treatment at Nazareth's Comprehensive Care Clinic. At the Care Clinic, Rose and her husband reported her health issue to the nurses, who promptly referred her to a doctor. Following an abdominal scan, she was diagnosed with Cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. If left untreated, Rose's condition will continue to cause her suffering, and she may face complications like bile duct obstruction and pancreatitis. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Rose. AMH's doctors recommended Rose undergo a laparotomy treatment surgery to alleviate her pain. On August 3rd, AMH's doctors will perform a laparotomy on Rose. However, given their financial struggles, Rose and her family are in dire need of assistance to afford the necessary treatment. AMH is now asking for $788 to help fund this procedure. Rose says “I have no one to turn to. My husband is the only one struggling at least to get casual work so that we can put food on the table. I need your help to run my everyday life well and at least assist my husband in running our family."

14-year-old Rosemary lives with her parents in a mining town high in the mountains of central Bolivia. Her father is a farmer, and her mother is a homemaker. Rosemary is in the ninth grade and especially enjoys studying chemistry; she hopes to become a scientist one day. Rosemary was born with a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect, in which a large hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without circulating properly through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. Fortunately, our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, can help. On November 8th, Rosemary will undergo heart surgery at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría, during which doctors will sew a patch over the hole, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Once she has recovered, Rosemary should be able to live the life of a healthy 14-year-old. Now her family needs your help to raise $1,500 for her procedure. Rosemary said: "I am very excited to go back to my school and my friends after surgery with a normal heart."

Kelvin is a student from Kenya and the eldest of 4 children. He is a student at Kitui School for the mentally challenged. His mother told us that he likes listening to music, playing football and operating a phone. Our partners in AIC Cure International met him at their Matuu clinic accompanied by his mother Petronilla who works as a peasant farmer. Kelvin has clubfoot of his right foot, a condition that was noted by the mother when he was 1 year old. His foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and wearing shoes. This condition formed because he used to convulse. He started medication and experienced delayed milestones. At the age of 3, Kelvin began to exhibit an unusual walking style and was diagnosed with hemiplegia, a type of unilateral cerebral palsy that causes paralysis on only one side of the body. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. AMH is requesting $1,286 to fund Kelvin's clubfoot repair. The treatment will be impactful to him because he will be able to walk without falling and play football with his friends. Kelvin’s mother shared, “I would love to see my son’s condition corrected so he can be independent. I will appreciate any support from AMH, and God bless you.”

Esther is a 37-year-old businesswoman, who lives with her husband and two young children in Kenya. Both she and her husband work as brokers, selling cars. Business has been slow, and in addition, two of Esther's sisters passed away, leaving Esther and her husband to care for the sisters' children. One month ago, Esther was trying to reach for something in her home, by standing on a stool. The stool broke, and Esther fell, injuring her left arm. She was in a lot of pain, and was rushed to a nearby clinic for examination. From there, she was sent on to another facility, where an X-ray revealed that she had fractured her left humerus. Since the accident, Esther has not been able to work, and currently, the family relies on her husband for provisions. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, can help. On September 6th, Esther will undergo a fracture repair procedure - called an open reduction and internal fixation - at AIC Kijabe Hospital. The surgery will help her to heal, so that she will be able to resume her work to support her family. Now she needs your help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Esther says: “I cannot work and help provide for my family. I want to be independent again.”

Biruk is an adorable toddler from Ethiopia who loves to play and walk. He has recently started walking, and it seems like he only wants to explore the world on his feet. He also enjoys playing with other children, always eager to share their toys or try to claim some for himself. Being the only child in the family, he receives a lot of love and attention from his parents. Biruk's dad holds a university degree in agriculture, and his mom graduated from college with a diploma in ICT. Despite her educational background, she couldn't find a job in that field and now assists her husband with their farming endeavors. They were fortunate to receive a small farming land from their parents, and they work diligently to make a living from it. In addition to farming for their needs, they also purchase crops to sell, aiming to generate additional income and improve their economic situation. Although their income is modest, they work hard to support their family's daily necessities and strive to save up to purchase more land. Biruk was born with Hypospadias, a congenital abnormality which affects the male urinary opening. When he was just five months old, his parents took Biruk to a hospital for medical attention. The doctor mentioned that they would need a referral when the child reaches six months of age. Unfortunately, when they returned to the hospital later, they were informed that the doctor was unavailable, leaving them uncertain and frustrated. Without treatment, Biruk will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Biruk is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery at AMH's care center on August 8th. AMH is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Biruk's mum said, “I will work hard to bring my child to a successful future once he receives the treatment and is healed. I hope he will be successful and lead a good life in the future.”

Kennedy is a 28-year-old young man from Muchatha, Kimabu County in Kenya. He is the first born in a family of three children. His single mother has her own small business selling groceries. Kennedy just completed college and started working by riding a motorbike to earn money for his bus fare and to assist his mother in caring for the family. Unfortunately, on June 26th, as he was riding the motorcycle to pick up a customer, he was involved in a road traffic accident; he was hit by a vehicle and was hit on the right leg. He was brought to Nazareth Hospital and an x-ray showed an open fracture of the tibia on his right leg. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. On June 29th, Kennedy will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation so that he will be able resume his job of driving a motorcycle. Kennedy is able to contribute $148 to the surgery, and he needs help raising $1,049 to fully fund the procedure. Kennedy says, "This is not the way I thought of my life. I kindly plead for help so that I can undergo this treatment. I can’t wait to see myself able to work again and support my mom."

Keyler, who is nine years old, lives in Bolivia and is in need of heart surgery. His mother passed away when he was only four years old, and since then, he has been raised by his grandmother. He accompanies her every day as she goes about selling sodas and cleaning houses, in order to make a living, and as a result, grandmother and grandson have become inseparable. Keyler was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs and obtaining oxygen, leaving Keyler weak and short of breath. He also has Down syndrome. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to fund the surgery that Keyler needs to correct his heart condition. The procedure, which is scheduled for May 18th, at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría, will enable Keyler to live a happier and more comfortable life. Keyler's grandmother said: "I am so happy that Keyler can have this surgery, so he will be healthy and strong."

66-year-old Anna is a widow from Malawi where she lives with her two daughters, one of whom runs a saloon while the other sells second-hand clothing. Anna is in the business of renting houses. Last year, Anna noticed an asymptomatic swelling on the left side of her neck. She visited the nearest clinic where she was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for tests on her thyroid. Anna was diagnosed with a goiter and was informed she would need surgery. Surgeons at Partners in Hope Hospital are scheduled to perform a thyroidectomy on May 3rd, during which all or part of Anna's thyroid will be removed. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,015 to cover the costs of Anna's procedure and care. Anna is hoping to get better after surgery so that she can continue supporting her family as a caring mother. Anna believes that her two daughters are the greatest priority in her life and that she has to be in good health for their sake as their only remaining parent. Full of smiles, Anna said: “Thank you, sponsors. I did not know this day would come in my life; I can smile again.”