Flor is a three-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mother, who helps her with physical therapy every day so that she will be able to learn to walk despite having cerebral palsy. Flor has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. When she was a baby, she had heart surgery to stabilize her heart with a pulmonary artery band until the hole in her heart could more safely be closed. Now that she is older, she is ready for a second surgery to remove the band and completely repair her heart defect. On September 30th, Flor will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in Flor's heart, so that blood will no longer leak through it. Flor's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to help cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Flor's mother said, "I'm glad my daughter can have her heart surgery now. We have been waiting a long time for her to be completely healthy, but I'm grateful, and I pray that all goes well!"

Yohannes is a cheerful and active young boy from Ethiopia. He loves visiting new places, playing with other children, and asking his mother many questions. He also enjoys watching cartoons and spending time with his friends. His father works as a taxi driver, while his mother is a homemaker who cares for the family. Yohannes's mother first noticed something unusual shortly after his birth. Doctors diagnosed him with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Yohannes is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 25th at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Yohannes’ mother: “I am very happy to come to BKMCM. I received good service, and I hope my baby will be in good condition after the surgery.”

Emmanuel is a 45-year-old hardworking father from Philippines. He previously worked as driver to support his family, but is currently unemployed, which is challenging while raising two school-going children. His wife is also unemployed, and with no steady income, the family often skip meals and mainly depend on partial repayments of debts from relatives, and occasionally borrow money from the children's uncle. Six years ago, Emmanuel began to experience troubling symptoms, including intense chest pains that radiate to his back, which prevented him from sitting or lying down. He made repeated attempts to seek treatment in public hospitals, but these were unsuccessful due to overcrowding. Emmanuel is growing increasingly worried about not being able to provide for his family, yet he remains hopeful that the surgery could alleviate his painful symptoms and reduce the financial strain on his family. Emmanuel has been diagnosed with cholelithiasis, which are hardened pieces of bile that form in the gallbladder. Doctors have advised him to undergo a cholecystectomy, which the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at a risk of future health complications. Emmanuel is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on April 11th, through our partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Emmanuel's surgery and care. Emmanuel says: "Despite our current struggles, I remain optimistic about our future. Once I receive treatment for my condition, I'll return to work so I can provide for my family again. My wife and children keep me strong."

Jeronimo is a little boy from Colombia. He lives in Támesis, Antioquia, with his parents. He is curious and intelligent, full of dreams and eager to get ahead. Jeronimo was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Jeronimo has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Knowing of these future complications has been difficult for Jeronimo's family, especially given their financial circumstances. The opportunity to receive care would represent an immense blessing for their family and new hope for Jeronimo's future. Fortunately, Jeronimo will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 24th. Clinica Noel is requesting $1,167 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. His parents shared that they hope treatment will significantly transform Jeronimo's quality of life. Jeronimo's mother expresses her gratitude for the support, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every person who has supported my son. Your generous gesture goes far beyond material help; it is a sign of selfless love, faith in dreams, and light at a time when we urgently needed it. I cannot thank you enough. This surgery, which we have waited so long for, represents a great blessing and new hope for Jeronimo's health. After receiving this treatment, what we most desire is his speedy recovery, well-being, and a full life. We trust that God will bless you abundantly for this beautiful work and for the positive impact you have had on our lives."

Michael is 54 years old and a pedicab driver from the Philippines. He transports people and things using a bicycle with a passenger sidecar. Michael lives with his two sons. One of his sons works in construction, while the other is a housekeeper, and together they help Michael cover their household’s regular expenses. Two months ago, Michael began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Michael is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 7th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Michael's surgery and care. Michael shared, "I cannot afford surgery, but I also couldn’t wait any longer for treatment because I need to support my family. Once the operation is finished, I look forward to getting back to normal. I can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity."

Cynthia is a 26-year-old single mother of two young children from Kenya. She has a life of persistent hardship, being the firstborn in her family. This forced her to drop out of school due to a lack of school fees, cutting short her education and limiting her employment opportunities. Currently, she stays with her family, and they largely depend on her for the provision of basic needs. Determined to contribute to her children’s upbringing, she takes on small tailoring jobs, paid on commission. Though the income is minimal and inconsistent, it is the only means Cynthia has to provide essentials for her children. Three weeks ago, tragedy struck while Cynthia was returning home from her daily activities. She was involved in a road traffic accident after her motorcycle's front tire burst, causing her to fall forward and hit the ground forcefully with her chin. The impact left her severely injured and in pain. She was rushed to a nearby health facility, where she received a tetanus injection and pain medication before being referred for further medical care. Upon examination at AIC Kapsowar Hospital, Cynthia was found to have a deep left-sided facial laceration, loose teeth accompanied by bleeding, and significant jaw pain. An X-ray confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the mandible. Due to the nature of the injury, she was taken to the operating room and underwent an emergent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with arch bars to stabilise the fractured jaw. Unfortunately, after surgery, her jaw was not properly aligned. Surgical review has determined that she urgently requires a revision ORIF surgery to correct the alignment and restore proper jaw function. Cynthia initially received approval for her first surgery through SHA. However, she has been informed that a repeat ORIF procedure is not covered. Given her financial situation, she is unable to raise the funds required for this revision surgery. As a young mother already struggling to meet daily needs, the burden of medical expenses is beyond her capacity. Cynthia is therefore humbly appealing for support in undergoing the necessary revision surgery. Your assistance will not only restore her health but also enable her to continue caring for her two children, who depend entirely on her. The malalignment has caused her ongoing pain, difficulty chewing, and discomfort while speaking. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 3rd, Cynthia will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation revision. Without this corrective procedure, she risks long-term complications, including chronic pain, impaired nutrition due to difficulty eating, infection, and possible permanent deformity. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Cynthia says, "I am still in pain. I feel poorly, am not able to even smile, and I pray for a successful recovery to be able to go home and help my family. Please help me."

Devan is a five-year-old boy whose family hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. Devan lives with his aunt, who has been his primary caregiver since he was two years old. His aunt shared that Devan is the second-born child of her brother, and during Devan's early childhood, he and his sibling experienced significant neglect. Their parents were constantly in conflict and eventually separated, during which time the children were reportedly left without adequate food and care. This is when Devan's aunt chose to adopt and take responsibility for the two children. Devan's aunt is a single mother who separated from her husband about ten years ago. She has three biological children of her own and is now raising a total of five children. After leaving her marital home, she relocated to her maternal village, where she lives in a small rented house. To support her household, she earns a small income by washing clothes for neighbors. Despite her efforts, she reports that life has been extremely difficult, and meeting basic needs remains a daily struggle. Devan is currently enrolled in PP2 at a local school. While at school one day, he slipped and fell, sustaining an injury to his hand. He was initially taken to a nearby health facility; however, due to limited equipment and capacity, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital. Upon arrival, Devan’s hand was swollen, painful, and he was unable to use the affected limb. An X-ray done showing a fracture of the upper arm bone. An orthopedic surgeon has recommended an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure for proper management of the fracture. Devan's aunt, however, has no financial capacity to meet the cost of the required surgical procedure and associated hospital bills. She is therefore requesting financial support to enable Devan to receive the necessary treatment. Presently, it is difficult for him to use his hand, and he is in pain Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 19th, Devan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The procedure will alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $861 to fund this procedure. Devan's aunt says, "My nephew just had a fall, I didn't know it would come to a point when he would need surgery. Please help him so that when he fully recovers, he can go back to school."

Wabi is a charming toddler from Ethiopia. He delights in playing with his peers and enjoys watching animated movies. He is the first child in his family, bringing immense joy to his parents. His mother sells vegetables on the street while his father works as a daily laborer. Wabi was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Wabi is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Wabi's mother shared, "There were times when I felt hopeless, but I truly believe that God has a perfect plan to support my child. I am immensely grateful for all the assistance we've received."

Ambar is a 15-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. Her mom is a homemaker, and her dad installs building pipe connection tubes. Ambar has an older sister. Ambar's parents noticed she used to perspire a lot when crawling; her pediatrician noticed she had an enlarged heart and was not growing properly, and she was soon diagnosed with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Ambar's blood from circulating properly, causing weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On December 2nd, Ambar will undergo heart surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ambar's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ambar's mother says, "I pray my child will have a successful surgery."

Alejandro is a 57-year-old retired farmer and father of six from the Philippines. He and his wife currently live in his son’s rented apartment. His son, a gym instructor, supports the family financially and also helps his siblings who are still in school. Because of Alejandro’s condition, his son has had to reduce his work hours to care for his father. Alejandro’s eldest son, who runs a small sari-sari store, occasionally contributes rice and food to help the household. Alejandro worked for many years as a farmer but can no longer plow the fields because of his health. For more than twenty years, he has lived with an inguinal hernia, a bulge in the groin caused by abdominal contents pushing through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle. He has been experiencing pain in his lower abdomen and occasionally in his stomach. Fortunately, on September 20th, Alejandro is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost will be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to fund his surgery and care. This procedure will relieve his discomfort and allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. “This support will greatly ease my family’s financial burden. Thank you to the donors for helping us,” Alejandro shares.