Abebech is a 39-year-old nun from Ethiopia. She has devoted her life to serving others and works tirelessly for her church community by preparing meals, washing clothes, and handling every duty given to her. Abebech is currently suffering from a painful internal growth (myoma) that requires urgent medical care. Because she lives as a nun, she does not have family to lean on during this painful health trial and relies on the hospital and her community of nuns to get the care she needs to heal and continue her spiritual work. For four years, Abebech has been experiencing worrisome symptoms that make it difficult to live her daily life. She has been diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. Abebech needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Even though she believes that both joy and hardship are natural parts of life's journey, this illness has been truly overwhelming. Dealing with months of heavy bleeding, severe pain, and constant hospital visits—all without an income—leaves her feeling sad and frustrated at times. Fortunately, Abebech is scheduled to undergo a myomectomy on July 30th at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $1,050 to fund her surgery. Abebech shared that she hopes this surgery will allow her to be free from pain so she can return to the peaceful, quiet routine of her daily life.

Yared is a bright and curious seven-year-old boy who lives with his grandparents in Ethiopia. He loves playing with toy cars and spending time with his younger brother. Yared's mother, a single parent, works as a domestic worker in the city to provide for her family. Yared was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. A few years ago, Yared was taken to a referral hospital in Mekele, where his grandparents live, for corrective surgery, but the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war caused major delays, preventing him from receiving timely care. Later on, the cost of surgery became another barrier for Yared's family. One of Yared's family members who works at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), advised the family to come to the hospital for a review. Yared was reviewed, and his family has been advised that he will need to undergo corrective surgery to treat his condition. Without this intervention, he may continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and could be at risk of future complications. Yared is scheduled to undergo surgery on May 4th at BKMCM. His procedure will cost $1,293, and his family needs your support. Yared’s mother shares, “I’m deeply grateful to the donors and the doctors for their help. My only wish is that my child will grow up healthy and happy just like other children.”

Chepkat is an 11-year-old girl from Kenya. She comes from a pastoralist family whose livelihood has always depended on keeping goats and cattle. Due to the harsh, isolated nature of their residence, Chepkat has never had the opportunity to attend school. Her parents survive through livestock keeping, but recently their family suffered a major setback when raiders attacked their homestead and drove away their cattle, leaving them with nothing. One afternoon, while trying to pick fruit from a tree, Chepkat accidentally stepped on a dry branch that suddenly broke beneath her. She fell heavily to the ground and immediately experienced severe pain. Due to the remoteness of their home, the family had to travel nearly two hours to reach the nearest health facility. At the first facility, she was immobilized and later referred to another hospital, where she was managed conservatively with bed rest and pain medication. However, her condition did not improve, and her pain persisted. Chepkat was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, where an x-ray revealed a fracture of the head of her hip bone, a serious injury that requires urgent surgical intervention. She needs an urgent Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) to stabilize and repair the bone. On March 11th, Chepkat will undergo a fracture repair procedure. She needs help so that she can receive the operation she needs and regain the chance to walk and live a healthy and active life. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,247 to fund this procedure. Chepkat's mother says, "My child is in pain and cannot stand, please help her so she can regain her mobility."

Linus is a 29-year-old man from Kenya. Born in a large family of 12 children, Linus was not able to complete his studies as his parents could not afford school fees for Linus and his siblings. He was working as a casual laborer, but jobs were tough and inconsistent. Through hard work, he was able to purchase a second-hand public service vehicle, which provides him with a modest but honest living. Linus has two children, but they are living with their mother, with whom Linus is no longer in communication. On January 13th, Linus's life changed dramatically. He was assaulted with a machete and sustained multiple severe injuries. He suffered fractures of the left distal radius and ulna, open infected fractures of the left distal tibia and fibula, and cortical disruption of the right tibia. He received first aid treatment and was transferred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. Surgeons were able to treat his wounds and fractures on his arm, hand, and ankle. However, Linus still needs contracture release and a skin graft surgery to facilitate healing and regain strength and mobility. He has used up his government medical insurance because of his multiple procedures, and now needs help to raise funds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Linus receive treatment. On February 16th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help him use his hand easily again. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Linus says, "I am in the hospital fighting alone, the people that assaulted me are well known to me, I don't know why they did that to me. I thank God they didn't kill me. Hoping for recovery, please help me."

Kristoffer is a 39-year-old man from the Philippines. He used to work overseas, away from his family. When he returned to the Philippines to settle permanently, he started a water refilling business. His work requires him to lift heavy water containers and deliver them to customers regularly. Five years ago, Kristoffer felt sudden discomfort and noticed a mass in a sensitive area of his body. He continued to feel discomfort and pain whenever he sat for long periods or lifted heavy objects. A few weeks ago, more symptoms appeared, greatly worrying him. Kristoffer has two children and continues to support his elderly parents, making his health concerns even more distressing for him. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. Kristoffer was diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and he needs surgery to address his symptoms. On January 29th, Kristoffer will undergo a hemorrhoidectomy. He needs help to raise $978 to fund his procedure and care. Kristoffer said, "Hopefully, I can move more freely after the operation. I do not want to worry about my condition again. Instead, I want to focus my energy on our business and taking care of my children and parents."

Alex is a 29-year-old single man from Kenya. He is an orphan and lives with his grandmother. HIs mother passed away when he and his twin brother were seven years old. He completed his education up to secondary level, but his grandmother was unable to support him to continue to college. Currently, Alex works as a conductor to earn a living. He enjoys playing football, and this accident has left him feeling devastated. Three days ago, while on his way to work, Alex was accidentally hit by a motorbike and sustained an injury to his left leg. He was taken to our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital, where an X-ray revealed a double fracture of the left tibia. He needs surgery to ensure proper healing. On December 16th, Alex will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will restore his strength and mobility on his leg, and will allow him to play football again, which he deeply loves. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund this procedure. Alex shared, "I am very disappointed because I will be out of the field. I hope my leg will be treated and I get well soon. I can't wait to go back to what I love to do most; play football."

Kidus is an adorable one-year-old boy who lives with his parents and older sister in Ethiopia. He loves exploring his surroundings and playing with his toys, and has brought his parents immense joy. His mother is a dedicated house maker, while his father works as a daily laborer at a cereal sales company. Shortly after birth, Kidus was diagnosed with hypospadias, a birth condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Kidus's parents were advised that he would be eligible for surgery once he weighed 10 kilograms, but that he would be placed a long waiting list. It was very difficult for his parents to wait, not knowing how long it would be until he received help. Without treatment, Kidus would continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Kidus was referred to our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), where he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Kidus's mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. We hope for a healthy and happy child that brings joy to our family.”