Zakaliya is 53 years old, married with five children. from Malawi. He used to work as a machine operator in one of the brick molding companies around the industrial area, but he had to stop working due to his current health condition. He now engages in farming to support his family. Fourteen years ago, Zakaliya started experiencing a swelling in his left inguinal region. He has visited several hospitals, but has not received the surgery he needs. An inguinal hernia is a condition in which soft tissue protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall, causing pain, especially during strenuous activities such as farming. If left untreated, it may lead to serious incarceration and strangulation. Zakaliya is very optimistic that surgery will help him change his life for the better and enable him to resume his work as a machine operator. Fortunately, on January 13th, Zakalilya will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Zakaliya's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Zakaliya shared, "The pains and discomforts I experience have taken all my peace of mind; I am very positive that your surgery support will bring back my joy."

Onesmas is a 15-year-old student from Uganda. He is the eldest of three children. Onesmus is a humble, quiet, soft-spoken, respectful, and intelligent young man. His favorite subject is biology, and his dream is to become a doctor. He enjoys watching football, although he shared he’s not very good at playing it. As the firstborn, he often takes the lead in caring for his siblings. Whenever his mother is away, he ensures they complete domestic chores. Knowing that both of his parents are farmers and the family struggles financially, he puts extra effort into activities like cultivating, helping reduce the costs his parents would otherwise incur. His dedication has earned him their admiration, and they do everything they can to support his education. For the last four months, Onesmas has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area of his body. It causes him sharp, needle-like pain, discomfort while urinating, and pain when walking or standing for long periods. He was diagnosed a left communicating hydrocele and recommended for hydrocelectomy surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Onesmas is scheduled for hydrocele repair surgery on November 4th. His family is appealing for financial support to help make his surgery possible. They need help raising $146 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Onesmus's mother says, “At home, my son is my assistant; he is a very hardworking and determined boy, but ever since he developed this condition, a lot has changed. He is worried about his future. As his parents, we hate seeing him in pain, yet we have nothing to do; we kindly appeal to you for support for him to have his surgery.”

Edith is a bright, determined high school student from Kenya who has faced challenges in her life with remarkable courage and an unyielding smile. Her parents are small-scale farmers who work hard to provide for their four children. As their income is limited, they also have received financial support from the community to help support their children's education. When Edith was five years old, she was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. Since then, she has been using a wheelchair, having lost sensation in the lower half of her body. The accident meant prolonged hospital stays, which kept her out of school and isolated from her peers, as well as coming to terms with being unable to walk again. Drawing on her strength and resilience, Edith returned to school at 18 to continue her educational journey. Her teachers recognized her intelligence and determination, so she was fast-tracked to Class 5. Three years later, she completed her exams and advanced to high school, where she is working hard to finish her schooling in the hopes of building a bright future. For the past five years, Edith's health journey had been relatively stable until January, when she developed a pressure sore on her left hip. The wound has since worsened, growing larger and more painful with time, causing Edith significant worry and discomfort. Due to financial constraints, her parents could not seek medical attention for Edith's condition. Concerned for her well-being, Edith's teachers advocated for her to receive medical care, and as a result, she was brought to our medical partner's hospital. Her doctors determined she urgently needs a debridement and skin graft surgery to treat the wound, prevent further complications, and avoid the infection reaching her bones. Our medical partner, African Mission (AMH), is helping Edith receive treatment. On May 28th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help her heal and return to school to continue her education. AMH is requesting $1,185 to fund this procedure. Edith shared, "I'm scared the wound might get worse and reach my bones, causing even more complications. All I want is to heal and finish high school."

Rose is a 45-year-old mother of two from Malawi. Her first born is married with one child and her second-born is in his second year at a technical college. She is a small-scale vendor who sells tomatoes at the local market. In her free time, Rose enjoys chatting with her children and enjoys eating local delicacies. Six months ago, Rose started experiencing general body weakness and heavy bleeding. She was taken to a local hospital where her hemoglobin levels were found to be very low. She received a blood transfusion that improved her health condition, and was advised to report back in case she experienced any complications. Two months later, Rose started bleeding heavily again, and she decided to report back to the hospital as per the hospital's instructions. A pelvic ultrasound scanning was done, and it revealed a mass. Rose had started feeling weak after the heavy bleeding. Her illness has significantly affected her daily activities as well as her business leading to an income reduction. She decided to seek treatment at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope, where the diagnosis was confirmed and she was advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rose receive treatment. On May 2nd, she will undergo a gynecological procedure to relieve her symptoms and prevent even more serious health complications due to the blood loss. Rose is optimistic about the treatment and hopes to resume her daily activities, and support her children. Rose is able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment but needs help raising $1,363 more to fund the procedure. She says, "I'm experiencing unusually heavy bleeding. I would be grateful if you would consider me as a recipient of your support. This would allow me to rest and focus on my business, which is essential for my family.

Juan José is a four-year-old student from Colombia. He deeply enjoys family time and especially values the company of his younger sister, with whom he shares moments of great joy. From the age of two and a half years-old, Juan José has had an umbilical hernia. Despite this preventing him from performing certain activities and causing him frequent pain, he faces each day with courage. Some activities and games cause him more discomfort, so he must avoid them, but that does not stop him in his daily efforts to achieve his dreams and desires. Fortunately, on June 26th, Juan José will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is requesting $786 to fund Juan José's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Juan José's mother shared, "I want to express from the bottom of my heart my most sincere gratitude to the person who, without knowing my son, has decided to donate the necessary resources for his surgery. Your unconditional support comes at a time when we need it the most, and I do not have enough words to describe the gratitude I feel. I will always wish you blessings, and I will be eternally grateful for giving my son the opportunity to regain his health and live free of pain. Thank you so much for this generous and humane gesture!"

Shumye is a 66-year-old farmer and father of nine children from Ethiopia. Having spent his life working the land and providing for his family, Shumye now struggles with cataracts, which have increasingly obscured his vision, making it difficult to maintain his livelihood. One year ago, Shumye developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him clouded and dim vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that results in blurred vision. His difficulty seeing clearly, especially in changing lighting, jeopardizes his daily activities, independence, and safety. Without intervention, progressive vision loss threatens his overall quality of life. Fortunately, Shumye is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund his procedure and care. Shumye shared, "I wish to see clearly again, so I can go back to work and support my family."

Alexis is nine years old and a student from Bolivia. His mother cleans houses, while his father works in construction. Alexis has two older siblings. He loves to play and wants to be a goalkeeper. When Alexis was playing at school, his mother noticed his hands turned purple. He also gets tired easily when running and playing with his friends. Alexis has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several related defects including a muscular blockage of one of the valves and a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart. These defects prevent the heart from delivering enough oxygen to his body, leaving him weak and short of breath. On February 5th, Alexis will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will remove the muscular blockage from his valve and close the hole in his heart with a patch. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Alexis' mother shared, "There is no treatment for my son anywhere near where we live, so we are so glad to be at this hospital so doctors can help my boy! We have traveled a lot, but we are sure he will be a healthy boy after his surgery."

Alison is an eight-year-old boy from Kenya. Born as a twin, he and his brother shared early milestones together until they were two years old. Alison’s brother began to speak, but Alison did not. His mother hoped he would catch up in time, but even now, at eight, Alison still cannot speak. When it was time to join school, Alison was unable to communicate and was not allowed to join school, while his twin went to class. This left him at home, longing for connection and learning. Alison comes from a family facing tough challenges. His parents have separated due to difficult circumstances, and his mother, battling mental health challenges, has been unable to provide the care he needs. Recently, Alison’s grandfather brought him to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where it was discovered that he had significant hearing loss and can barely hear any sounds. Despite his grandfather’s best efforts to raise funds for hearing aids, he has been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, due to health issues, he cannot work, and Alison's grandmother is the family's sole supporter, selling vegetables on the roadside to make ends meet. The family is really hopeful for the day Alison will get the chance to hear, to speak, and to finally attend school with his peers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Alison receive treatment. On January 9th, he will be fitted with hearing aids to restore his hearing, providing him a better opportunity to interact like children his age. Now, Alison's family needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. Alison’s grandfather says, "Alison loves interacting with other children, but he often feels left out while his friends go to school without him."

Christopher is a one-year-old infant from Haiti, deeply loved by his single mother. Christopher was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure. This has led to a rapid increase in Christopher's head size, and, without urgent treatment, he faces the risk of severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Christopher at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only site in the country where this care is available. The procedure, scheduled for August 27th, will drain the excess fluid from his brain, relieving the intracranial pressure and significantly improving his quality of life. With proper treatment, Christopher will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Christopher's mother shared, " I look forward to seeing Christopher thrive and live a healthy, happy life."

Cristian is a 21-month-old boy from Bolivia. He is an only child who lives with his mother, who operates a small grocery store out of the front of their home. They are from a mining city in the mountains of central Bolivia. Cristian has ventricular septal defect, a heart condition where a hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart. Because of this, blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. On June 19th, Cristian will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Cristian's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Cristian's mother shared, "I am looking forward to seeing my son grow healthy and strong once his heart is fixed!"

Genesis is a 14-year-old girl from a city in central Bolivia. She is in eighth grade and lives with her mother, who raises her independently. Her mother works as a food vendor. Genesis' father passed away when she was younger. In her free time, she enjoys art and music. When Genesis was younger, she was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta, a condition in which a major artery connected to the heart is too narrow to operate properly. When she was younger, doctors felt that the condition was not severe enough to operate; as she has grown older, however, she has felt weaker become increasingly tired, so surgery is necessary. Fortunately, our medical partners, The International Cardiac Alliance can help. Genesis is scheduled to undergo Congenital Cardiac surgery on March 21st. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund her procedure. After surgery, Genesis should make a full recovery. Genesis said, "I am hopeful that after my surgery I will feel stronger and have more energy to do things."