Faith is a beautiful four-month-old baby from Kenya. She is the youngest of two children. To support their family, her mother is a stay-at-home mom, and her father herds and sells cattle. Faith was born at home with several congenital conditions. Her parents took her to a nearby facility for examination, where she was diagnosed with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and clubfoot. They were referred to another facility where a medical device, called a shunt, was used to help treat the hydrocephalus, draining the excess fluid from her brain. On discharge, the hospital referred her and her family to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, where Faith was examined and scheduled for spina bifida repair surgery. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Faith is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,151 to cover the cost of Faith's spina bifida closure surgery. The surgery is scheduled to take place on July 13th. This procedure will hopefully spare Faith from the risks associated with her condition, instead allowing her to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Faith’s father says, “When I saw the problems that my child has, I was worried that she would never receive treatment. I am hopeful she will receive treatment with your help.”

Deborah is a quiet six-year-old girl from Tanzania who likes singing and studying. Her father owns a small restaurant, and her mother is a small-scale farmer with one acre of land that supplies food for the six family members to eat. When Deborah was five years old, her mother noticed that she was not swallowing food properly. She took Deborah to the hospital, where the doctor noted that her tonsils were infected and enlarged. The doctor recommended an operation—a tonsillectomy—to remove her tonsils. Tonsils are soft tissues located in the back of the throat, and they are part of the immune system. They help to defend the body from harmful bacteria and viruses, but they sometimes become infected and enlarged, causing a sore throat, tender neck lymph nodes, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Currently, Deborah is unable to swallow properly while eating because her throat is sore. She also experiences difficulty breathing and is unable to fully participate in some activities. Deborah's family has raised $49 of the $633 needed to pay for the tonsillectomy, which is scheduled for April 13. Funding for Deborah also pays for four days of hospital care, blood tests, and medicine. After treatment, Deborah will be able to swallow properly, breathe normally, and participate in all activities fully. "When Deborah gets the treatment, I will be very happy," shares Deborah’s mother. "I would like her to study up to university and become a minister."

Joy is a playful young girl from Kenya. She lives with her parents and older brother. Her mother works as a contract accountant, and her father sells carpets to support their family. When Joy was one year old, her parents noticed that she had hearing and speech difficulties. They took her to a local hospital, but due to economic hardship, could not follow through on treatment. In 2016, Joy was taken to AIC Kijabe Hospital, our medial partner's care center, where she took an auditory test. The test results revealed that Joy has severe hearing loss and would highly benefit from hearing aids. On March 21, Joy will receive hearing aids to help her condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is asking for $929 to cover the cost of her treatment. After receiving hearing aids, Joy will be able to develop normally and lead a happy life!

Peter is a 46-year-old man who lives with his two children in central Kenya. He works as a musician, writing gospel songs and singing in churches in his village to raise money to support his family. On January 14, 2017, Peter was struck by a vehicle as he crossed the road. He sustained a fracture in his right femur and a cut on his forehead. He was taken to the hospital, where he was advised to undergo a surgical procedure to reposition and set the broken bone and enable faster healing. Peter could not afford the fee for the surgery. The little money that he earns as a musician is barely enough to take care of his family's basic needs. Peter came to our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital, for evaluation and treatment of his broken leg. He is now scheduled to undergo repair surgery on February 27. Peter needs help raising $998 to pay for surgery, X-rays, lab tests, physical therapy, medication, and surgical supplies. "My dream is to be able to produce music in a commercial way and uplift my family," shares Peter. "I, therefore, request Watsi to support me to be able to walk again."

Kabahumuza is a 41-year-old woman from Uganda. She delivered her two children through C-sections. Those children have since grown and joined school. She is in her 36th week of pregnancy. Due to her history, her doctors have recommended that she undergo another elective C-section. On December 5, Kabahumuza will begin prenatal treatment at our medical partner's care center, Holy Family Virika Hospital. There, she will undergo a C-section to ensure a safe delivery. Kabahumuza is a primary school teacher, and she supports her family. She needs help to fund this $280 procedure. After surgery, she hopes to work hard and continue supporting her family.

Edwad is a 13-year-old boy from central Kenya. He is the youngest of five children. He is currently a student and aspires to become a surgeon. In December, Edwad was diagnosed with an abnormal condition in a sensitive area during a routine procedure. Surgery will save Edwad from future complications from this condition, such as cancer or hernia. On January 17, Edwad will undergo the corrective surgery at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. His parents, who work as farmers, have subsidized $52 of treatment. They need help to raise an additional $535. Edwad looks forward to life after surgery, saying, “I would like to be a surgeon when I grow up."

Romy is a 15-year-old boy from the Philippines. He is a curious boy who loves to explore. He was born with a cleft lip and palate. His condition has always caused him difficulty eating, speaking, and communicating with others. Despite these obstacles, Romy is very industrious. He helps his father with household chores and was described as a "peacemaker" in the family. Romy's mother passed away when he was young, so he and his two siblings live with their relatives. His father works as a recycled junk collector, and he has difficulty supporting his children. His father always hoped for Romy to receive treatment, but he could not afford healthcare. When the family learned about our medical partner, International Care Ministries, they were very happy. Romy underwent a repair surgery on December 1. Now, the family needs help to pay his $1,464 medical bill. After recovery, Romy will no longer experience difficulty eating and speaking. His confidence will grow and his quality of life will improve. "We are very thankful that after many years, he will finally undergo surgical correction," says Romy's father. "He will grow to have confidence, and he can live a life like a normal teenager. Romy is a fine boy––he is willing to make sacrifices for his siblings, and he is a great help in the household chores." He continues, "I am thankful that you chose him to be sponsored for surgery....We are so blessed that you have come in our community."