23-month-old Supa is the first and only child of her parents. She was born with spina bifida, a condition causing an open mass on the spine. Recently, the mass started to leak, intensifying Supa's risk of infection and spinal damage. Fortunately, she will undergo a spina bifida closure on January 5. Supa’s mother is a laundress, and his father is a construction worker. The family lives in a rental house in the Nairobi suburbs. They need help to fund this $1,097 procedure. Supa's parents are hopeful about this treatment, and they want to see her excel in the future. “I am still nervous," says Supa's mother, "but I am looking forward to her treatment. I will appreciate if we get help, since Supa is very precious to us."

Marlon is a three-month-old boy from Guatemala. His mother is having trouble producing breastmilk. For this reason, Marlon is not receiving adequate amounts of protein, calories, or nutrients. When he cries from hunger, his mother gives him sugar water or asks neighbors to breastfeed him. Without adequate nutrition, Marlon is at risk of developmental delays. Fortunately, he began nutritional treatment on December 22. Marlon lives with his family in a one-room adobe house. His father works as a day laborer, harvesting crops on a local plantation. His mother takes care of Marlon and his sisters and weaves traditional Mayan textiles. Despite wanting the best for their son, Marlon's parents cannot afford the expensive formula he needs. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $1,107 to fund his treatment. Marlon's treatment will be simple and effective. He will receive formula, which will give him the protein, calories, and nutrients he needs to grow and develop. His mother will receive in-home nutrition education, so she will learn low-cost ways to prevent future cases of malnutrition. Marlon's immune system will strengthen, and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby.

Saruni is a one-month-old baby boy, born just this last January in Tanzania. His mother is a homemaker, and his father is a livestock keeper. Two of his siblings attend school, and his parents hope he will one day as well. At birth, Saruni was diagnosed with bilateral clubfoot. Without intervention, he will be forced to walk on the sides of his feet. His gait and ability to walk will be impacted long-term. However, with clubfoot surgery, which will cost $1,160, Saruni will be able to run, play, and walk pain-free. This cost includes all post-operative care and medication. Saruni's mother states: “I hope that my baby’s feet can be straightened so that when he starts to walk he can walk like other children."

Gasper loves to read, write, and color pictures with his friends. He was also born with bilateral clubfoot, a deformity that causes the bones in his feet to grow incorrectly, causing extreme pain and difficulty walking. Gasper loves playing with his siblings and classmates, but, if his condition goes untreated, he won't be able to move about as easily and is at risk of developing early osteoarthritis. Gasper's parents work hard to support their son and his siblings, providing them with the food and support they need to go to school. Though Gasper's father earns money as a carpenter and his mother sells tea and snacks at a local café, they do not have enough money to pay for Gasper's medical care. "My dream is to become a business man when I grow up," Gasper says. For $1,160, we can fund Gasper's surgery and help make that dream a reality! Once funded, Gasper will undergo surgery to repair his congenital deformity and allow his bones to develop normally. Gasper will be able to walk without pain and difficulty, and continue to thrive in school and whatever else he dreams of doing!

19-month-old Junior from Tanzania was born with a congenital condition that makes him unable to pass stool properly. Because of this, a new opening was constructed in Junior's abdomen to allow for a colostomy bag. Typically this bag, which collects stool from the intestines, can be used safely as a collection receptacle, but Junior's parents are unable to afford the recurring costs of replacing the bags. He needs a permanent solution. If Junior is not treated soon, he could be at risk of a serious infection. For $1,400, we can fund surgery to permanently treat Junior's condition so he will be able to pass stool normally and lead a healthy and dignified life.

Oodan is a sweet five-year-old girl from Ethiopia. Like other kids, Oodan wishes to spend time with friends and go to school, but she was born with a condition called bladder exstrophy, where part of the bladder develops outside of the body. Oodan's condition causes leakage of urine from the bladder and makes it difficult for her to live a normal life. Without treatment, Oodan will likely experience social ostracization and be highly susceptible to infection and other complications. Oodan and her mother traveled a long way to seek treatment, but they cannot afford the cost. For $1,500, we can pay for Oodan to receive surgery which will enable her to attend school and enjoy a healthy childhood.

Kyi is a quiet 26-year-old woman who lives near the Thai-Burma border. She was born with an encephalocele, a neural tube defect that results in a sac-like protrusion of brain fluid. Kyi tells her doctors that she mostly keeps to herself because she is embarrassed about her appearance. She says she hopes to have her protrusion removed so she doesn't feel shy about going out in public. Kyi left home several years ago because of a difficult, dangerous family situation, and has since supported herself by cleaning homes. Her salary is enough to cover her basic expenses, such as food and a place to live, but she cannot afford the medical treatment she needs. For $2,000, we can fund Kyi's encephalocele removal surgery and give her the confidence to lead a more full life. After surgery, Kyi plans to build a new life for herself in Thailand, where employment opportunities are better.