Junior is a 13-year-old boy from Uganda. He is the eldest of three children. His parents are hardworking farmers who live in a modest two-room mud house on a small piece of land. Their livelihood depends on small-scale farming, and they often share their harvest with the landowners. Since birth, Junior has had a left inguinal hernia. He came from his home village, accompanied by his maternal aunt and father, with a swelling, which his mother noticed shortly after he was born. Over the years, the swelling has gradually increased, causing him significant discomfort and pain. Fortunately, on December 4th, Junior will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund Junior's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Junior’s father says, “I am thankful to God to know that my son can be treated and get healed, as the doctor has assured me. However, I do not have the funds for the operation and am appealing for assistance. After he recovers from the operation, he will continue his studies under my support.”

Yahaya is a sweet and gentle four-year old boy who lives with his parents and three siblings in Tanzania. His family describes him as a quiet and kind boy who loves playing close to home and enjoys being around his siblings. His father works as a driver, and his mother cares for the family. About a year ago, Yahaya suffered a burn when hot porridge accidentally spilled onto the back of his right knee. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was admitted for a week, treated, and later discharged. Though the wound healed, the scar tissue has contracted so that Yahaya cannot fully straighten his leg. The contracture makes walking painful, itchy, and uncomfortable, and he struggles to keep up with other children. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Yahaya receive treatment. On December 3rd, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and skin graft. After treatment, Yahaya will be able to walk without pain, run freely like other children, and begin school with confidence. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Yahaya's mother shares, "I'm hopeful, and deeply grateful for the opportunity that could change my boy’s future forever."

Claire is 34 years old and a farmer from Uganda. She is the youngest of five children and lives with her mother. Her father passed away several years ago. Her husband does casual labor on other people's farms, while Claire grows beans and maize meant to be consumed by their family. During her free time, she enjoys caring for her family through activities such as cooking, cleaning, and washing. Claire is currently expecting her third child, and 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, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Claire undergo a C-Section on December 4th. This procedure will cost $252, and Claire needs your support. Claire says, “Because of the hospital bills, it has always been a struggle to leave the hospital, but with your support, I hope for a successful surgery this time.”

Chhengmean is a 13-year-old student from Cambodia. She has three younger siblings who live with her parents, while Chhengmean lives with her aunt and grandparents. She is in 4th grade and enjoys studying Khmer. Chhengmean also loves cooking and making pork and rice. When she was 7 years old, Chhengmean developed an ear infection that caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. As a result, Chhengmean experiences pain, tinnitus, and pus, along with hearing loss in her left ear. This makes it difficult for her to hear clearly and has affected her ability to focus in class. Chhengmean traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On December 12th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This cost covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chhengmean shared that, after undergoing surgery, she hopes she will be able to pay attention at school without hearing loss or discomfort!

Ethan is a young boy from Tanzania and the youngest of three siblings. His mother is the sole caregiver for the family after her husband left two years ago. She is currently unemployed and relies on her siblings for financial support. Ethan has been diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, a condition where his legs bow outward at the knees. This condition can have various causes, including growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride from contaminated drinking water. It makes walking difficult for Ethan and could lead to long-term joint damage if left untreated. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund Ethan’s treatment. The procedure is scheduled for December 4th at Kafika House, our medical partner's care center. With treatment, Ethan’s mobility can be restored, allowing him to participate in daily activities and reducing the risk of future complications. Ethan's mother shares, "I wish his treatment goes well so that he does not grow up with his legs bowed because this will be a setback to his dreams."

Dalin is joyful sixth grader from Cambodia. She lives with her mom and younger brother. Sadly, her dad passed away few years ago. Dalin enjoys all her classes at school and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. In her free time, she likes to read books, eat Cambodian soup, and play with her friends. When Dalin was one year old, she accidentally burned her fingers with hot soup at home. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around the burns. She is unable to use her left hand and has difficulty playing games with her friends and holding objects. When Dalin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and half hours seeking treatment. On February 19th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore function in her hand. Now, she needs $495 to fund this procedure. Dalin says, "I just want to be able to use my hand and fingers so I can play and not feel shy at school."

Issac is a baby from Kenya. His family shared that he is irritable and cries a lot. His mother is a young woman who speaks the Dholuo language only so they are accompanied by a relative (his aunty) who cares for both of them. His family first discovered his condition at birth. Unfortunately, they have been unable to go to the hospital due to financial issues. Isaac is the only child raised by his young mother who depends on relatives for upkeep and survival. They both live with their aunty, who has her family to care for too. His mother has no identification card and cannot get medical coverage. They are financially in a tough position and cannot afford the proposed surgery. Issac has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Issac has been experiencing an enlarged head. Without treatment, Issac will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Issac, which will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 5th and will drain the excess fluid from Issac's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and significantly improve his quality of life. Issac will develop into a strong, healthy young boy with proper treatment. Isaac's aunt says, "Our child cries a lot. He is in pain and needs treatment. Please help support his treatment."