Japhet is a happy and active four-year-old boy, born on June 22, 2012. Japhet likes to climb on anything that he thinks he can climb on. He also enjoys playing and being around other children. He is the fourth born in a family of five children. The problem with Japhet’s legs began early last year. As time goes by, his gait keeps changing. He now knocks his knees when walking and feels pain on the knees especially when climbing up a hill. Despite of his condition, Japhet is still very active and happily mingles with other children even though some do laugh at the way he walks. Japhet’s mother is a kindergarten school teacher and his father is an Evangelist. His parents also do a little bit of farming and raise a couple of goats at home. They work hard to care for their family and take their children to school. Japhet’s parents need financial support so that their son can get proper corrective treatment to improve his gait and reduce the risk of developing early osteoarthritis.They wish that their son can walk properly again so that he can competently walk to school.

Edwin is a 17-month-old baby boy and the last-born in a family of two children. The family lives in a one room rental house in Kenya. Edwin’s father is a security guard in an estate near their home while his mother was a cleaner before she quit to care for Edwin. Edwin was born with a leaking mass swelling on his lower back that has been growing in size. To prevent infections from the leaking, Edwin has required dressing changes for the swelling. His parents were advised to seek for specialized treatment and went to a government hospital, but the wait became unbearable as their case kept getting postponed. Finally, a friend advised them to visit African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). A surgery to correct the open spina bifida is required to avoid the risks of infection or the development of a tethered cord. These complications can lead to either scolisis or kyphosis, and loss of muscle function of the lower limbs. Edwin's parents have contributed $73 towards their son's treatment, but are not able to raise all the money needed for their son's treatment. To cover the cost of treatment, they need $805. “Please help my son get treated," Edwin's father shares.

This is Felix, a two-month-old boy from Kenya. At birth, Felix was diagnosed with spina bifida. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us this condition causes "a mass swelling on the lower backbone area. If he is not treated, Felix is at a risk of developing a tethered cord that can lead to scolisis or kyphosis." Felix's father is a construction site laborer often depending on availability of work while his mother used to be a casual laborer washing clothes for pay but since she delivered Felix, she has not been able to work. With these financial restraints, Felix's family struggles to afford the treatment Felix requires for his congenital spina bifida. With $805, a surgeon will perform a procedure where a shunt will be implanted in his abdomen, allowing fluid to be drained from Felix's body with little to no harm. The funds will also cover medications as well as physical and behavioral therapy. After this surgery, AMHF asserts that "Felix will have reduced risk of infection, developing tethered cord, or paralysis on his lower limbs." Felix's mother shares, "I want my child to be well and lead a comfortable life." With our help, Felix will receive the treatment that he needs to get healthy.

Meet Namayani, a baby girl born in mid-March who lives with her family in Tanzania. "Namayani was born with a lesion on her lower back, which is leaking cerebrospinal fluid," our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), reports. "She also has hydrocephalus." As many as 90% of children with spina bifida also present with hydrocephalus. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect where part of the tube fails to develop properly, causing defects in the spine. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in the brain, causing the head to swell. Because Namayani has both conditions, she is in need of treatment to prevent her head from increasing in size, as well as to protect her from contracting infections. If she goes untreated, "Namayani could end up blind or completely disabled," says AMHF. Though she's living with two serious conditions, Namayani is a sweet and quiet baby. "She is feeding well and only cries when hungry, wet, or held in a position which is uncomfortable," AMHF shares. To treat both of her conditions, Namayani will undergo surgery to repair the spine defect and will need a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt to drain the excess fluid from the brain to to the abdomen. The procedures, and her hospital stay, will cost $1,200. After treatment, Namayani will no longer be at risk of contracting an infection, and her head will cease to swell. Her parents, who have seven other children, are concerned for their new baby, and are eager to get the correct treatment for their daughter. "We just hope that our daughter will get well and grow up like other children," Namayani's father shares.

Mamerta is a 45-year-old mother from the Philippines. With her husband, she runs a small business selling snacks. “In her spare time she is fond of making delicious snacks for her children,” our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), tells us. Mamerta has developed a goiter; an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland. This manifests as a bulge in her neck. Because of the goiter, “Mamerta experiences physical discomfort when she does many things, such as carrying heavy things, working house chores for long hours, and there is slight discomfort when eating solid food,” explains ICM. Mamerta needs a thyroidectomy, or surgical removal of her thyroid gland. This surgery would normally not be affordable for Mamerta, as she and her husband barely bring in enough income from selling snacks to support themselves and their children. However, for $1,500, we can fund the procedure she needs. Not only will funding cover Mamerta’s thyroidectomy, but it will also pay for her transportation to and from the hospital, and all post-operative care. “Thank you so much for paving the way to my healing,” Mamerta shares. “After the treatment, I am excited to feel better and take care of my family without any difficulty.”

Moses, a six-month-old boy from Kenya, was born with cryptorchidism, a defect in which one or both testes is absent from the scrotum. His older brother had the same condition, so Moses' mother was quick to recognize her son's condition. After seeking medical attention for her son, “Moses’ mother was advised to have him get surgical care after he had attained the age of six months,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Moses’ mother works as a teacher and supports her four sons after her husband passed away earlier this year. "It’s hard for her to raise the funds for Moses’ surgical care as she is experiencing financial hardships at the moment," says AMHF. “It is every mother’s dream to see her children grow up healthy and normal and so is hers.” Moses requires a double orchidopexy, a surgical procedure that will relocate the testes to the scrotum. For $570, the surgery will reduce his risk of testicular cancer, developing a hernia, and infertility in the future. Though she feels that her burden might have been lighter with her husband around, Moses’ mother shares, “I am wishing my children the very best and do not wish that they will feel his absence, as I strive to provide the best I can for them. I hope we will get help towards Moses’ treatment.”

38-year-old Dah lives in Burma with her husband, her 18-year-old niece, and her three children. Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), says that both Dah’s niece and 13-year-old daughter are in school. To support the family, Dah’s son earns a modest income working as a hunter. This past August, Dah felt a palpable mass in her abdomen caused by ovarian cysts. When her symptoms persisted, Dah initially sought medical care locally, but her condition was misdiagnosed and left untreated. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled masses that develop within the uterus. BBP explains that without treatment, “Dah's abdomen is growing bigger everyday and she suffers from back pain. She did not want to seek treatment for her condition in Burma, because she knows that she would not be able to afford the medical costs.” For $1,500, Dah will receive a total abdominal hysterectomy--removing her uterus, cervix, and painful masses during a single operation. This treatment will alleviate Dah’s immediate symptoms and prevent her condition from recurring in the future. “Following surgery for ovarian cysts, Dah will no longer have bloating of her stomach and back pain,” BBP states. “After recovering, she will be able to commence looking for work in a local clinic.” Burma Children's Medical Fund, an organization that facilitates the transportation and treatment of Burmese people at Thai hospitals, is subsidizing this surgery by $1,421. "I want to get surgery for my condition so I don’t have to worry about that anymore," Dah shares. "When I have recovered from that, I would like to start working in a clinic and helping people. My first priority now is to get healthy and feel better. Then, I can continue with my dreams.”

Meet Norma, a 10-year-old girl from Guatemala. “Norma is in second grade and loves physical education class, but wishes she could play more,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). Norma has severe asthma, and she regularly experiences asthma attacks. “She cannot play with the other kids, and, even when she feels well, she fears that if she joins them for a soccer match or a run around the coffee fields, she will have an attack," WK says. Norma has gone several years without treatment. Her father works as a construction worker and her mother tends to the house, and they are unable to afford any treatment. For $595, Norma will receive an inhaler and the medication necessary to help her control her asthma. “She will no longer need to live in fear of having an asthma attack in front of her friends, and will be able to exercise freely,” reports WK. Norma, who dreams of becoming a teacher, tells us, “I just want to run like a normal kid. I like watching fútbol (soccer), but playing is more fun.”

Meet Juan, a 42-year old man from Guatemala. Juan used to be a bus driver, and has two sons aged 20 and 18. Two years ago, Juan lost his leg due to complications from diabetes. Before he lost his leg, he used to own a minibus to transport tourists to and from the airport. Since losing his leg, he has been unable to drive and has to rely on donations from pedestrians for income. “Juan is doing everything he can to provide for his family, but he knows that getting a prosthetic leg is his family's best hope for the future,” says our medical partner in Guatemala, Wuqu' Kawoq (WK). $1,255 will fund a prosthetic leg for Juan. “This treatment will change Juan's life and the life of his family. He will be able to earn more income, help his family at home, afford to keep his youngest in school, and complete daily activities easier," WK shares. "Furthermore, this prosthetic will increase his confidence and give him more independence and mobility." “After all of this, I’m still here, fighting. If I can succeed in getting a prosthetic leg, I will be able to support my family," Juan says.

Meet Turyomurugyendo, a 68-year-old father from Uganda with 10 children that he supports with his small scale farm. Turyomurugyendo has a hernia, which causes him severe abdominal swelling and pain, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) shares. “10 years ago, Turyomurugyendo remembers that he got a swelling on the lower part of his abdomen. It was painful and would disappear and reappear until this day," shares AMHF. "Because of this condition, Turyomurugyendo is unable to walk well and return from work. If not treated, the hernia may cause intestinal obstruction, acute abdomen, and death.” $120 covers the cost of a herniorrhaphy which will repair his hernia. “We expect after a hernia repair, Turyomurugyendo will recover fully,” AMHF continues. “He will be free from the pain and danger from the related complications. Turyomurugyendo will be able to return to work and take care of his family.” “After surgery, I will be free to return to my work,” Turyomurugyendo shares.

Meet Mary, a 41-year-old woman from Kenya. Mary is a single mother of two school-age children and works as a housemaid. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares, “For over one year now, Mary has been having bleeding and pain in her lower abdomen.” This bleeding is caused by fibroids in her uterus. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow along the wall of the uterus and often appear during childbearing years. Mary works as a house helper in a nearby city. AMHF explains, “The little income that Mary makes is not enough to take care of her family needs and still pay for this treatment.” “My children are fully dependent on me. I hope this condition is treated so that I can be able to continue working and supporting my children,” Mary remarks. For $790 we can fund Mary’s total abdominal hysterectomy. Doctors will remove her uterus and cervix in order to prevent the uterine fibroids from redeveloping. AMHF predicts, “After surgery, Mary will recover fully. She will be free from the abdominal pain, bleeding and risk of anemia. Mary will be able to work and educate and support her children.” Let’s fund surgery for this hardworking mother!

Meet Elvis, a 2-month-old baby boy from Kenya. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Elvis lives with his parents and three siblings in a grass-thatched mud-walled house.” Since birth, Elvis has faced health challenges due to congenital hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain. This fluid causes an increase in intracranial pressure, which can contribute to long-term health complications and interfere with important stages of childhood development. According to AMHF, without surgical intervention, Elvis' condition “may cause permanent brain damage, which could cause convulsions and visual impairment.” Elvis’ mother used to sell vegetables to earn an income, but now stays at home to take care of Elvis. His father “does any manual job that comes along on a casual basis” in hopes of being able to support the family. Despite their efforts, AMHF shares, “Most of the family income is spent taking care of Elvis, but it is not sufficient to cater for Elvis’ surgical care.” With $980, Elvis will undergo surgery to drain the excess CSF from his brain, reducing the intracranial pressure in his head. As part of his treatment, Elvis will receive five days of hospital care in addition to all of the necessary medical examinations—including ultrasounds and CT scans—to facilitate a successful operation and recovery. AMHF shares, “Elvis’ surgery will help reduce the excessive pressure in the brain and prevent visual impairment.” After surgery, Elvis will be able to resume normal childhood growth and development, paving the way for a healthier future. “I came here with faith because although I have no funds, I could no longer stand to see Elvis suffer. I am hoping that we will get help and he can be treated,” Elvis’ mother expresses.