Brian is a malnourished four-year-old boy from Uganda who lives with his grandmother and three siblings. Our medical partner, the Kellermann Foundation, shares that ever since the death of their father, Brian and his siblings “have been staying with their paternal grandmother while their mother works in another village.” The Kellermann Foundation continues, “As a subsistence farmer, it has been difficult for the grandmother to take care of all four children.” Due to the lack of a healthy diet and subsequent low protein levels, Brian developed severe malnutrition and accompanying oedema--abnormal fluid accumulation in the body’s cells or tissues. Additional symptoms include both respiratory distress and diarrhea. With $375, we can cover the cost of intravenous drugs for Brian’s respiratory condition, cannulation and intubation for nutrients and/or vitamins, and a hospital stay for recuperation. With additional nutritional care, Brian will be able to play with the other children in the village and fetch water. Brian's mother, who plans to subsidize one dollar of her son’s treatment, shares, “Thank you to everyone supporting me and my child. It has been difficult to pay bills on my own."

Five years ago, 26-year-old Suresh was treated for an inguinal hernia. Possible, our medical partner in Nepal, explains that Suresh’s previous condition has returned, demanding immediate medical intervention. Possible tells us, “Suresh’s current condition is deteriorated by gastritis [inflammation in his stomach lining] and fever, and he has been bedridden since last week.” Due to the pain, Suresh finds it difficult even to speak. An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through a weak part of the abdominal cavity. Typically, the condition leads to pain in the groin area. If untreated, Suresh is at risk of “hernia strangulation,” a life-threatening situation in which blood supply is cut off from the site of the hernia. For $491, Suresh can receive a hernia repair operation to treat his condition. The protruding part of his intestine will be placed back into its normal position, alleviating Suresh’s symptoms while also preventing further complications. While he used to work in India, Suresh now lives with his parents and younger brother in Nepal. To help put food on the table, Suresh tends to the family’s farm. After treatment, Suresh will be liberated from his current pain and can return to his normal activities. "I wish for my brother's treatment to happen as fast as possible. He is in so much pain," Suresh’s brother shares.