Meet Emebet, a six-month-old baby girl from Ethiopia. Emebet lives with her mother and father in a remote village, where her father works to support the family with a limited income. “Emebet was born with a congenital anomaly, and as a result, she could not pass stool,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. “A colostomy was done recently to relieve Emebet from the partial intestine obstruction. This condition and use of a colostomy is hard on Emebet's mother.” For $1,500, Emebet will receive surgery to remedy the anorectal malformation. “This surgery, anorectoplasty, involves forming a new anus so that Emebet can pass stool normally,” says AMHF. “Three months after this surgery, the final surgery (colostomy closure), will be performed.” Emebet will be able to pass stool and lead a normal life. “Emebet's mother hopes that she will send her daughter to school once she is of age and healthy,” shares AMHF.

14-month-old Abel "lives with his mother and great grandmother. He feeds well, loves playing and recognizes his name well," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "His mother dropped out of school two years ago when she got pregnant and is still under the care of her aged grandmother." Abel was born without an anal opening. "He is not able to pass stool normally," AMHF shares. "Abel is susceptible to infections and blockage." "Abel’s great grandmother does subsistence farming while his mother runs a vegetable business, and hopes to sell enough every day to provide for her son," AMHF continues. "Her business however is not very stable, and often incurs loses because her products are perishable. Abel’s father who is a student, is not able to support them and is not willing to be associated with them. Abel's mother hopes to go back to school once her son is treated." $1,260 will fund the 2-stage surgery Abel needs to allow him to pass stool normally again. Surgery will prevent infection and blockage, and allow him to have a fully functional anal opening. "I hope I can get help for Abel's treatment, and get back to school once he’s well," his mother shares.