Maria is a 32-year-old woman who lives in Guatemala. She has a rare condition called mixed connective tissue disorder. This condition has caused extreme tightening of her skin, making it difficult for Maria to bend her hands and elbows. She also experiences severe pain and swelling in all of her joints, limiting her ability to work around the house. The chronic cough and fatigue with exercise which Maria has developed is also concerning for both her heart and lungs. "Maria has been looking for help for her condition for years," her doctor writes. "She has seen dozens of doctors but no one has been able to figure out what is going on. Fortunately, we immediately knew what condition she had when we met her (it is a very rare condition!) and we are excited to work with her to make steps toward controlling her disease." Care for Maria's condition will include evaluation of her heart and lung function as well as immunosuppressive medications to control her pain and stiffness, improve her quality of life and ability to handle day-to-day tasks as well as limit further organ damage. Maria has finally found the specialty care which she needs to control her disease. With $1100, we can make sure that she gets it.

Say hello to Paul, a 51-year-old husband and father of five from Kenya. Paul works as a teacher while his wife takes care of the children at home. Last year, Paul was in a car accident that led to several injuries, including a fractured femur and leg infection. He is in severe pain and cannot walk without help. Paul took out a loan to pay for the initial treatment he received after the accident, but does not have enough to afford the additional healthcare needed. Paul now needs $1,500 to treat the fracture and infection in his leg. Without it, his leg may need to be amputated. Paul says, “I thank God that I did not die in the car accident. My prayer is that I get well so that I can go back to work and take care of my family." Let's help answer Paul's prayers by getting him the care he needs!