Linet is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania who was born with unilateral clubfoot. "She uses the lateral aspect of her left foot for walking, which has affected her gait," our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), reports. Clubfoot is a developmental disorder characterized by an inward turned foot, due to short tendons connecting the tissues to the bones. Though difficult for her to walk, Linet loves to play with toys and the other children in her village. "She is a serious little girl, but when around other children she has a beautiful smile," AMHF shares. To treat her condition, Linet will undergo a tenotomy surgery to release the overly tight tendon. She will then receive a cast to realign the foot and ankle joint. Without treatment, Linet is at risk of developing early onset osteoarthiritis. The treatment, plus a four month stay in the Plaster House rehabilitation center, will cost $1,160. After treatment, "Linet's gait will improve and the risk of developing osteoarthiritis will decrease," AMHF explains. "All I hope for is that my daughter will have the ability to walk properly," Linet's mother shares with us.

Phoeun is a 36-year-old construction worker from Cambodia, where he lives with his wife. When he isn’t working, he enjoys playing soccer and helping his wife on their farm. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), informs us that since Phoeun was five years of age, he has had recurring discharge from his left ear. The discharge is due to a cholesteatoma, which is a cholesterol-filled cyst that develops in the mid region of the ear. “I get ear discharge every day so I am upset. Sometimes I can't go to work because of pain in my ear,” shares Phoeun. CSC has informed us that, without treatment, this condition “causes hearing loss, pain, and tinnitus.” These complications can be eliminated with a mastoidectomy. During this procedure, portions of mastoid tissue near the ear will be removed in order to allow surgeons to remove the cyst. Treatment will cost $809, a fee that includes surgical and medical fees, meals during his stay in the hospital, and three post-surgical follow-ups. "After the operation I hope I stop having ear discharge and won't have any more ear pain,” shares Phoeun.

“Htoo was a healthy boy until a year ago he began experiencing headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, and vomiting episodes,” our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), shares of the 12-year-old boy from Burma. “An ultrasound revealed that Htoo was suffering from hydrocephalus.” Htoo’s family was referred to a children’s hospital, but are unable to afford the surgery to fix his condition. Htoo has continued to experience the symptoms that began a year ago, including loss of appetite and unsteadiness on his feet. His mother must now support him when he walks. “Htoo’s weakened condition requires his mother’s constant care,” shares BBP. "She is not able to spend time with her husband working in their shop and most of the household chores have fallen to Htoo’s sister.” Htoo is in the fifth grade and is passionate about learning, especially Burmese history. He has had to withdraw from school as his symptoms have prevented regular attendance. “His teachers have been monitoring his condition and his attendance and have informed his mother that Htoo will need to repeat the grade if he misses anymore classes,” states BBP. Htoo needs $1,485 to fund surgery where a shunt will be placed in his skull to drain excess fluid, and relieve the pressure on his brain. This will also cover Htoo’s hospital stay and follow-up appointments to track and ensure a proper recovery. “Successful treatment will enable Htoo to return to school and follow his dreams of becoming a teacher,” shares BBP.

Two-month-old Whithines is a quiet, active baby girl who lives in Tanzania. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Whithines was born without problems and was feeding and growing well until two weeks ago, when her mother noticed her daughter’s forehead was increasing in size. Her head was getting heavier and softer.” Whithines’s increasing head size is the result of hydrocephalus, a condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. In an infant, too much fluid—the result of infection, trauma, malformation of the central nervous system, or genetic defect—can increase pressure on the brain and inside the skull, leading to an enlarged head and developmental issues. Treatment for Whithines is a shunt to drain the excess fluid from her brain. In this procedure, doctors place a shunt into the ventricles and connect it to a tube that runs under the skin and empties into the abdomen, where the excess fluid can be resorbed by the body. Whithines’s grandparents support her and her young parents financially, but they do not earn enough money as small-scale farmers to pay for the procedure that Whithines needs. $775 will fund surgery to place the shunt, as well as five days of hospital care and two weeks’ accommodations at The Plaster House, a home where children can recover after surgery. AMHF says, “Whithines’s head will no longer continue to increase in size, and she will no longer be at risk of losing her vision.” “We love her dearly,” says Whithines’s mother. “We hope she will get better and later on have the ability to go to school and get a good career.”

Ronald is a 13-year-old boy who lives in Kenya with his mother, father, and two younger siblings. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) describes Ronald as, “shy, calm, and quiet.” Ronald was born with hypospadias, a congenital condition in which the urethra does not grow to its full length. As a result, the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis, which in turn causes an irregular stream. If left untreated, hypospadias can lead to frequent urinary tract infections, infertility, and social stigma. When Ronald’s parents first noticed his hypospadias when he was a baby, they took him to the nearest hospital. At the time, however, it seemed like a minor problem that may later improve. AMHF tells us, “It wasn’t until Ronald had reached the age at which many young boys in his culture transition into manhood—through a rite of passage commonly known as circumcision—that they noticed nothing had changed.” At this point, Ronald’s parents decided to, “aggressively seek treatment.” However, Ronald’s father works at a mini-market and his mother tends to their home, so they are in need of financial support. For $655 Ronald will receive hypospadias repair and 10 days of recovery in the hospital. This surgery will provide a long-term solution to Ronald’s condition by extending the length of the urethra. Ronald shares, “I can’t pass urine near my friends because I am quite sure they will laugh at me. I hope to get treated soon because I don’t want to carry that feeling with me into high school.” Ronald, who will be starting high school soon, plans to work hard, get good grades, and pursue his dream of becoming an engineer.

Meet Tha Khue, a three-month old boy from Burma. Tha Khue means “happy," according to our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). His parents are subsistence farmers and occasional day laborers. Tha Khue has bilary atresia, a rare, life-threatening condition that causes a build of bile that seriously damages the liver. Tha Khue's symptoms include jaundice, a swollen abdomen, and frequent vomiting. $1,500 will fund a Kasai procedure for Tha Khue -- a surgical bypass to prevent liver damage. "Once Tha Khue has received treatment for his biliary atresia, his abdomen will become less extended, he will no longer suffer from jaundice or yellow urine, he will stop vomiting frequently, and cry less," BBP shares. “I am very worried for my son, I hope that he will be able to get treatment for his condition," Tha Khue's father shares. "In the future, I dream that he will grow up to be healthy and maybe even to become a doctor."

Meet Caleb, an optimistic 20-year-old man from Kenya. "Caleb is the fifth born in a family of six, his parents are small-scale maize farmers," our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) tells us. Caleb has electrical burns to his right hand and leg. “Caleb was electrocuted as he tried to help people trapped in a fallen truck,” shares AMHF. "Caleb has been unable to do any physical or economic activity because of the wounds," AMHF describes. "He is unable to use his right hand and some of his wounds still need dressing. Caleb has been confined to his home and is dependent on his parents for sustenance." He must also use a walking aid wherever he goes. "Caleb was about to leave for the city to begin making a living for himself as a casual laborer before the accident,” says AMHF. His family has contributed to pay for his four previous surgeries, but are unable to cover more medical expenses. $940 covers the cost of debridement surgery to remove dead tissue from the wound and for skin grafts to repair the affected areas. "We expect after a debridement and skin grafting, Caleb's mobility will improve," AMHF tells us. "His wounds will also heal and his road to recovery will be much easier. Eventually, Caleb will be able to work and provide for himself."

Richar, the youngest of six children, lives with his family in Guatemala. According to our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), the one-year-old boy, “enjoys playing and running around his front yard.” Richar is at a critical point in his development and should be reaching important milestones, however, his growth has been slowed by acute pediatric malnutrition. Malnutrition occurs when a person does not consume as many essential nutrients as they need for an extended period of time—causing a nutritional deficit. Pediatric malnutrition is closely linked with slowed development—both physically and mentally—both of which may lead to other complications later in life. WK explains, “Richar is below the normal height and weight for his age.” If his malnutrition is not treated, WK reports, “his immune system will weaken and he will have decreased energy. Over time, his mental and physical development will be stunted, leading to developmental delays and preventing Richar from reaching his full potential.” WK states that in the future, “limited brain development and chronic illness will limit his ability to concentrate and succeed in school.” While both preventable and treatable, this condition is particularly common in Guatemala. With the fourth-highest percentage of chronic malnutrition in the world, 50% of children in Guatemala are expected to experience malnourishment by age five. With $535 in funding, Richar will receive micronutrient support to treat his acute malnutrition. Over a 90-day period, Richar will be routinely fed calculated amounts of micronutrient-rich food supplements. By gradually re-introducing him to essential nutrients, his body will be able to safely adjust to the changes. He will also be matched with a nutritionist to work with his parents throughout his treatment. After the ninety-day period, WK expects, “Richar will recoup the weight and height he has lost and his energy will improve.” In addition to nutritional support, funding will provide for Richar’s mother to receive an intensive education on healthy nutrition. WK states, “This course will build her confidence and ability to take care of Richar and his siblings.” Richar’s mother shares, “I am so grateful for all of your help. I want to do whatever I can to improve my child’s health!”

Meet Su Su, a 38-year-old woman from Thailand. Su Su works in a clothing factory with her husband, working as a seamstress. Two years ago, Su Su began to experience a lot of pain. “She went to a clinic and the attending doctor informed her that she might have a mass,” shares our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). When the pain did not subside with medication, doctors confirmed she had a pelvic mass. A pelvic mass is a non-cancerous tumor caused by abnormal development of muscle cells in the uterus. These growths can cause a combination of prolonged menstruation, abdominal pain, backache, or leg pains. The pain is severe enough that Su Su is unable to work. BBP adds, "Since she has been ill, she has had to borrow money." $1500 will fund the treatment Su Su needs for her condition. Her treatment involves a total hysterectomy and oophorectomy to remove the uterus and ovaries. These procedures will prevent the tumors from multiplying and spreading, and redeveloping in the future. BBP reports, “After surgery, Su Su will be able to return to her work and earn a living. She will no longer suffer pain and will be able to live with dignity.”

Meet Anderson, an adorable one-year-old boy from Haiti and younger sibling to his six-year-old brother. According to our medical partner, Project Medishare (PM), “Anderson was normally born but after three months his head started getting abnormally large.” This was followed by symptoms of fever and the flu, prompting Anderson’s family to take him to the nearby hospital for a CT scan. “The results revealed excess fluid in his brain,” shares PM. Anderson was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid pathways in the brain become blocked, causing increased pressure. If left untreated, Anderson could experience seizures and premature death. This diagnosis was particularly difficult for Anderson’s 26-year-old mother, who “stopped going to school when she became pregnant for the first time” and currently has no source of income, PM shares. Anderson's father is handicapped and cannot provide support for the treatment. Anderson's mother has lost her appetite and become frail since learning of her son's diagnosis, having no means of supporting his treatment. With $1,260, we can help Anderson and his family and fund surgical care to drain the excess fluid from Anderson’s brain. He will be able to grow up healthy, attend school and continue bringing joy to his family. Anderson’s mother is also excited to return to school once her son recovers.

"Israel is a friendly and talkative six-year-old boy," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Even though he is not the last born in the family, he looks like he is the youngest. The severe bowing of both of his legs has made him look shorter compared to his age mates." 6-year-old Israel is a young boy from Tanzania, and has developed genu valgus (knock-knees) due to fluorosis, or high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water. "Israel walks with difficulty. He walks as if he has a problem with his hips," AMHF adds. "He is unable to run around with friends and at times he feels left out when other children are busy playing outside and no one is willing to slow down for him to catch up." Treatment for Israel's condition will cost $940. This will improve his gait and allow him to walk and grow normally. “Just like the rest of my children who are able to walk to school, I wish that Israel can also walk to school without difficulties,” says Israel’s mother.

“Ever since Lorenzo was born, he hasn’t been feeding well and I have been worried about his growth,” shares Lorenzo’s mother. Lorenzo is a one-year-old boy from southwestern Haiti. His parents travel to Port-au-Prince for work to support their family, while Lorenzo stays with his grandparents. Lorenzo is alert, playful, and a happy baby. “Lorenzo was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect," shares our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA). "He has a large hole between the two lower chambers (ventricles) of his heart. Blood passes freely through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him sickly and short of breath. If untreated, this condition would be fatal.” For $1,500, we can fund transportation from Haiti and cardiac surgery for Lorenzo in a safe, fully-equipped hospital. After surgery, Lorenzo should have normal blood flow through his heart, and no longer experience symptoms of his condition. "I am excited to see him start eating better and gaining weight after his surgery!" shares Lorenzo's mother.