Meet Gloria, an 11-month-old baby girl from Guatemala. “Gloria lives with her older brother and her parents... She loves to play with little chickens that run around her house and even imitates the chirping noises they make,” reports our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Her mother is a dedicated weaver and also goes out into the fields with Gloria’s dad to earn money to support the family.” Gloria has acute malnutrition, a condition that is worsened by her home environment. “Gloria’s mother told us that Gloria suffers from strong allergies and has a small respiratory infection. Her symptoms flare up especially when it is cold outside,” continues WK. “Due to the location and materials of the house, it is constantly cold and misty. Clothes have difficulty drying, and Gloria has difficulty staying warm.” “These conditions paired with malnutrition create a recipe for immune system collapse,” continues WK. “Without treatment, Gloria’s immune system will continue to weaken. Her ability to develop physically and mentally will be limited, and she will be at risk of long-term effects of malnutrition.” With $535 in funding, Gloria can receive treatment for acute malnutrition, which includes growth monitoring, micronutrient food supplementation, and medication to treat her respiratory infection and recoup some of the weight and height she has lost. “Her mother will receive intensive nutrition education, thus building her confidence and ability to care for Gloria throughout her childhood, as well as assist her brother,” explains WK. Gloria’s mother hopes that her daughter will recover and enjoy a healthy childhood. She shares, “We work really hard to try and care for our children, but I don’t know how to help her grow better. Thank you for creating this program and for wanting to teach me how to help my children more.”

Meet Dinkmekar, a two-year-old girl and only child to her parents. Dinkmekar was born without an anal opening and cannot pass stool normally. As a result, she experiences pain and difficulty since she must pass stool through the vagina. Dinkmekar will continue to experience pain if this condition is left untreated. In order to treat Dinkmekar, our medical partner can perform an anoplasy, in which the anus will be moved to an appropriate place within the muscles. “We expect after surgery, Dinkmekar will be able to pass stool normally. She will grow up healthy and normally,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Dinkemar’s father works as a farmer with very little income, and, to support her daughter’s condition, Dinkmekar’s mother stays at home. They are unable to raise the funds for the surgery. Dinkmekar's mother dreams of “seeing my baby stay happy all day without being in pain.” For $1500, we can provide Dinkmekar with this life-saving surgery and help both her and her parents lead healthy and happy lives!

"Molto is currently in school and loves to read. He hopes to be a medical doctor so he can care for the sick and support the poor in his village," shares our medical partner, Ortho FOCOS (OF). Meet Molto, a 19-year-old young man from Ethiopia. Molto has five siblings and lives with his parents, who are both farmers. His family produces only enough income to feed the family, with no money remaining. Molto has kyphoscoliosis, a severe curvature in his spine. “Molto’s condition started three years ago and has worsened with growth. He has difficulty breathing and cannot walk very far,” explains OF. Without proper treatment, Molto will continue having trouble moving and breathing which will affect his schooling and future plans. However, for $1,500, Molto will receive surgery to correct his spine. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and am touched by the hearts of those who wish to support me,” says Molto.

"Mengistu is very likeable and intelligent," says our medical partner, Ortho FOCOS (OF). "He is currently in stage 1 at a local school and dreams of becoming a doctor!" Eight-year-old Mengistu lives in Ethiopia with his two siblings, father and step-mother. "The family lives in a two room mud house and does not have access to electricity or running water," says OF. Mengistu has kyphosis- an exaggerated rounding of the back. He has trouble standing straight and is developing a hunch back. He walks at a very slow pace. For $1500, OF can correct Mengistu's kyphosis and allow him to live without constant pain and discomfort. He is also expected to regain full mobility. "At such a young age with such a severe deformity, this surgery will save his life," says OF. Let's help make it happen!