Ashley is a four-year-old preschooler from Haiti. She lives with her parents and one younger sister in an agricultural village in central Haiti. Her parents both work as farmers and raise animals. Ashley likes listening to music on the radio and singing in church. Ashley has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels next to her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ashley will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 13th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at Hospital CEDIMAT, during which doctors will use a device on the end of a catheter to plug the hole in her heart, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4,000 to pay for the surgery. Ashley's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Ashley's family overseas. Ashley's mother said: "We will be so happy when we can stop worrying so much about our daughter's health!"

Benedict is a three-year-old boy from Uganda. He is the second born child in a family of two children and is in middle class. His parents work as small scale farmers to generate food for consumption, and sell off any surplus produce. Since birth, Benedict has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area. His mother has taken him to several clinics and the family was advised to seek further review in a larger hospital. Due to financial constraints, they resorted to using pain killers and local herbs, but condition persisted. Presently, Benedict experiences constant fevers and is in a lot of pain. He is unable to walk long distances, and even stopped going to school or playing with his friends. While in church one Sunday, Benedict's father heard announcements about a medical outreach organized by our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Hospital. He brought Benedict in for a review, and a hydrocelectomy procedure was scheduled for July 7th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $210 to fund Benedict's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Benedict's father says, "I am hopeful that after surgery, my son will regain his strength and be able to play with his friends again."

Faidhan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with both his parents, and is the second child in the family. He is an energetic and cheerful child who enjoys talking and interacting with those around him. Faidhan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus (bow legs), a condition where the knees curve outward while the feet and ankles touch. His parents first noticed the condition when both of his legs began bending outward as he learned to walk. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Despite the family's attempted efforts, his walking remains difficult and the condition limits his stability. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Faidhan. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Faidhan's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Faidhan's father says, “He wants to run and follow other children, but his legs cannot support him well most of the time. We hope this treatment will change his future.”

Joseanne is an eight-month-old infant that lives with her parents and four older siblings in Bolivia. Joseanne's father is a day-laborer and her mother is a homemaker. As a young baby, Joseanne struggled to breathe and gain weight. When she was taken to hospital, doctors soon diagnosed her with multiple heart defects; a hole between the two upper chambers, a hole between the two lower chambers, and a hole between two major blood vessels. In addition, Joseanne was diagnosed with Down syndrome, a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome, causing developmental and intellectual delays. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is helping Joseanne receive treatment. On March 20th, she will undergo a congenital cardiac surgery so that blood can flow normally through her heart and body. Now, Joseanne's family needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Joseanne's mother says: "Our family has been very worried about our daughter's health, and we are hopeful that after this surgery she can finally gain strength!"

Reuben is a charming five-year-old boy from Karatu district in Tanzania, the third child born in a family of four children. He is a cheerful and active child, who particularly enjoys soccer. His family relies on farming for both sustenance and income, but the proceeds are often barely enough to meet the family's needs. Consequently, they struggle to meet medical expenses and are earnestly seeking assistance. Reuben was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, a condition where legs curve outward at the knees while the feet and ankles touch. His legs began to bow out at the age of two, and as he continued to grow, this condition worsened, making it challenging for him to walk long distances. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, his walking became energy-intensive, and he developed an uncomfortable gait. Recently, these mobility issues have significantly impacted his participation in beloved activities like playing soccer. Concerned about the potential hindrance this untreated condition may pose when Reuben begins school, especially due to the pain he experiences while walking and the distance of the school from home, his parents sought treatment at a local hospital. However, they were compelled to halt the treatment due to the high treatment costs. Their knowledge of our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, stemmed from a doctor who attended to Reuben two years ago. Consequently, they have embarked on a quest for his medical treatment again. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Reuben receive treatment. On May 7th, surgeons will perform a reconstructive surgery that will restore Reuben's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Now, Reuben's family needs help to fund this $880 procedure. Ruben’s father says: “I hope my son will get treatment to correct his legs so that it is easy for him when he starts school.”

Bakari is 6-year-old boy from Tanga, Tanzania. He is known for his charm, sociability, and outspoken nature. He is the first child to his mother, with his father having passed away. His mother, due to remarriage and relocation to another region, Mwanza, had to leave him in the care of his grandmother and uncle. Currently a student, Bakari recently embarked on his primary education, finding joy in the time spent at school with his peers, though limited in activities due to the condition he was born with. Bakari faces a physical challenge as he was born with a condition affecting both of his feet, causing them to twist inward and downward, significantly impacting his mobility. Early in his life, he had an opportunity for treatment in Tanga, but unfortunately, his father’s demise led to a lack of follow-up post-operative care, resulting in a relapse. At the age of two, his grandmother took him to the hospital for treatment, but insufficient financial resources prevented them from completing the necessary procedures, leading to yet another relapse. Determined to secure proper treatment for Bakari, his grandmother patiently gathered savings and, in late 2023, brought him to Arusha, specifically to Nkuaranga Hospital. During their visit, the doctor informed them that, due to Bakari’s age, he required more complex surgery, which the grandmother couldn’t afford. The doctor then directed them to Kafika house. Upon arrival, he was assessed by the team there. Bakari has clubfoot of both feet. His treatment plan will start with manipulation and casting, followed by corrective surgery. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. The team at Kafika House will begin clubfoot treatment on January 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Bakari's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his mobility will significantly improve. Bakari’s grandmother says: “I really hope my grandson's feet will be okay. I have struggled to see him get treatment hoping his future will be okay.”

Im is a 71-year-old loving grandfather from Cambodia, where he lives on the outskirts of Phnom Penh province with his wife. They have three daughters, four sons, and 23 grandchildren. When he was younger, Im worked in construction, but now he and his wife are retired. They are supported by their children, some of whom are farmers, while others are construction workers. Two years ago, Im developed cataracts in both of his eyes, probably as a result of the many years of working outside, when his eyes were being regularly exposed to the UV rays from the sun. Im's vision is impaired, making it difficult for him to see clearly. Im sought help from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On September 1st, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Center will perform bilateral small incision cataract surgery, and implant intraocular lenses in both of his eyes. Now Im needs your help to fund this $443 procedure. Im said: "I hope after surgery I can see better and recognize the faces of my family. I hope to go to the pagoda with my wife to join the ceremonies."

Moe is a nine-year-old girl from Burma who lives with her mother, grandparents, and siblings in a camp for internally displaced people in Burma. She is a student in grade two at the school in the camp. During her free time, Moe enjoys babysitting her younger siblings. On December 6th, while playing in her classroom, Moe fell off a bench and fractured her left forearm. She has been experiencing pain, swelling, and limited mobility in her left forearm ever since. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Moe will undergo surgery to reset her fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for December 8th and will cost $1,500. Moe and her family need your help raising the money to fund her procedure and care. This surgery will not only alleviate her pain but also restore the functionality of her arm. Moe’s grandmother said, "Thank you for helping my granddaughter. Our family is facing financial limitations, and affording her treatment has been challenging. Without your help, I wouldn’t know how to manage to get her treated."

Ester is a 32-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is married and she and her husband have two children together, who were both delivered via cesarean section in 2008 and 2015 respectively. Both children currently attend primary school. Ester attended school through the fifth grade but discontinued her education due to a lack of funding. Ester's parents are both small-scale farmers as well, and Ester is the third born of their nine children. During her free time, Ester enjoys spending time with her family. Ester is currently expecting her third child. Due to scars from her previous C-Sections, her doctors recommend that she deliver via a cesarean section again to ensure the safety of her and her baby. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Ester undergo a C-Section on July 4th. This procedure will cost $252, and Ester needs your support. Ester says, “I am on my knees for this support as I cannot afford the bills. I hope for the best delivery and resume farming after full recovery to earn a living.”

Soktheang is a six-year-old preschooler. He and his family live in Kampong Speu province, about four hours away from the capital of Phnom Penh. His father is a construction worker, and his mother works in a local clothes factory. He has one older brother who is a student. Soktheng likes to learn about Khmer history and listen to stories told by the teachers. At home, he loves to eat fried eggs and drink orange juice, and he tries very hard to keep up with his older brother. About three days ago, Soktheng's mother noticed him pulling at his ear and not sleeping well. She took him to the local health center, where they saw a small foreign object in his ear. Due to his agitation, they were unable to retrieve it. He complained of pain and hearing loss and was very unhappy. If the object stays in his ear, it could lead to infection and long-term hearing loss. Soktheang and his mother traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On November 17, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) surgeons will do a procedure to remove the object under anesthesia. Now, Soktheang's family needs help to raise $273 to fund this procedure. His mother said: "I hope my son will not have pain anymore. I am worried Soktheang will not hear from that ear."

Elia is a two-year-old boy from a small village in the Simanjiro district of Tanzania. His parents are livestock keepers and farmers, relying on agriculture for food and sustenance. The drought has brought new problems to their residential area, with large animals such as elephants and buffaloes coming in search of food and damaging their crops. Despite the challenges in the past year, they remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming season. In October 2022, Elia had an accident and suffered burns from hot water, resulting in severe wounds on both his hands that required medical attention. His parents took him to a health center for care. Over the next four months, as his wounds healed, he developed skin contractures on both elbows. Recognizing the impact of the scars on Elia, his parents sought treatment at Monduli Hospital. However, they could not receive the appropriate care and were subsequently referred to our medical partner's facility. In September, Elia’s mother, accompanied by an escort from Monduli Hospital, approached with concerns about Elia’s well-being. Our medical partner facilitated a meeting with a visiting plastics surgeon. During the preparations for surgery, it was observed that Elia was not yet ready for the procedure, and it was decided that he needed to wait until he was in better health before undergoing surgery. In November, Elia had the opportunity to meet with a plastic surgeon and was deemed fit for surgery. Given the severity of his case, the plan is to start with a contracture release on one elbow as the start of Elia's healing journey. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Elia receive treatment. On November 16th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enhance the extension of his arm. AMH is requesting $639 to fund this procedure. Elia’s mother says: “I hope this treatment will be a start for a better life for my son.”

Winnie is a 60-year-old woman from Uganda. She separated from her husband due to family violence and financial difficulties. As a single mother, she has been taking care of her four children, all of whom are attending secondary school, and makes ends meet by engaging in small-scale farming. Winnie is reaching out for support to restore her health and, by extension, her ability to provide for her children. Her treatment will not only alleviate her physical suffering but also empower her to continue nurturing her family and contribute positively to her community. Winnie visited our medical partner due to a mass that has been swelling on the right lumbar region (the area with the gallbladder, liver, and right colon) that has been troubling her for about eight months. She shared that the lump has consistently increased in size over time, thus causing her significant worry and fear that it might be cancerous. She is also unable to sleep on her right side, and the discomfort she experiences disrupts her ability to perform daily activities, especially her work on the farm, which is her source of livelihood. Without proper treatment, Winnie's quality of life will be severely impacted. When she sought medical help before, the doctors prescribed medication to reduce the swelling; however, the mass continued to grow. She was later advised to undergo surgery, but financial constraints prevented her from pursuing the treatment. Fortunately, Winnie was able to travel to our medical partner's care center. On November 7th, surgeons will remove the mass. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $137 to fund this procedure. Winnie said, “I am currently a single mother with no job, and yet my children need basic needs. This condition has affected me, yet I have no money for treatment. I request for your support thus being able to resume back to farming for a living."