Joyce is a 12-year-old from Kenya. She is a sixth grader who loves Math. Joyce is the firstborn in a family of two children and is being raised by her single mother, who relies on casual farming jobs to provide for the family. As Joyce was growing up, developmental milestones were noticeably delayed. She sat independently at nearly one year of age and began walking when she was almost two years old. By the age of three, she could only speak a few simple words. Relieved that her daughter had finally started talking, her mother enrolled her in school. Once Joyce began primary school, her teachers noticed that she had difficulty hearing. At home, her mother also realised she often had to repeat herself several times before Joyce understood what was being said. "The teacher gives her tasks, but she struggles with almost everything. I am so worried," her mother says. Although she is eager to learn and loves reading, her untreated hearing loss makes it hard for her to understand classroom instructions, causing her to fall behind academically. "Joyce loves reading, but she cannot understand the instructions she is given, so she is falling behind," her mother explains. Joyce was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. She was diagnosed with hearing loss and was advised to use hearing aids to improve her hearing and communication. Unfortunately, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond what her family can afford. On July 7th, Joyce will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting help raising $1,171. The hearing aids will give Joyce a better chance to fully participate in class, excel in her education, and pursue her dreams with confidence. "I love mathematics," Joyce says with a smile. "One day, I want to become a teacher so I can help children learn and enjoy mathematics just as much as I do."

Shuayib is a cheerful, active, and outgoing six-year-old from Ethiopia. He is in the second level of preschool, where he is doing well in his studies and dreams of a bright future. Shuayib also enjoys playing football, rock-paper-scissors, and spending time with his friends. His mother is a homemaker, and his father works as a daily labourer to support their family. Shuayib was born with hypospadias, a birth condition that affects the urethra and can lead to complications later in life if left untreated. Learning about his condition was emotionally challenging for his family. When they brought him to a hospital, the doctor informed them he would need to undergo three surgeries. He underwent his first procedure, and then a year later, he underwent the second. Unfortunately, after the surgery, he developed an infection that blocked the urinary tube. With proper medical treatment, the infection was completely cured. Six months later, Shuayib was referred to our medical partner's hospital, BethanyKids, for further review and treatment. Shuayib's doctors at BethanyKids explained the procedure to his parents and scheduled his surgery. After many years of worry and hardship, his family was grateful to learn that the surgery would be financially covered and Shuayib would finally receive the help he needed to heal. His parents expressed their appreciation for the kindness of the staff, saying, "We are so happy to be here. The staff treated us with great care, provided us with clear information, and gave us hope. We are truly grateful." On June 5th, Shuayib will undergo corrective surgery to treat hypospadias. This procedure will relieve him of discomfort and the risk of developing future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Shuayib's father said, "We have no words to express our thanks. May God bless all of you and provide for you as you have provided hope for us. We pray that God grants you good health, long life, and continued strength. Thank you to all the staff for your kindness, care, and politeness. We are truly grateful for everything you have done for our child."

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana 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. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana 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 her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana'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. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Jimmy is a resilient husband from the Philippines. His children already have families of their own, and he does not rely on them financially. Instead, Jimmy and his wife depend mainly on his pension to meet their daily needs. He once worked abroad to sustain his family. However, due to physical pain and the effects of aging, he now hopes to undergo surgery so he can recover and return to work without worry. Four years ago, Jimmy developed an umbilical hernia. This hernia causes him pain on his side and after eating. It also gives him so much discomfort that he prefers not to move at times. Before his illness, Jimmy stayed active by playing basketball, but today he spends most of his time at home with his wife. His family encourages him to have the operation, so he no longer has to suffer. Fortunately, on April 17th, Jimmy will undergo a hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Jimmy's treatment. Our medical partner is requesting the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "I am very grateful for this surgery. I know that my discomfort will go away after the operation. I am quite optimistic about moving normally again," says Jimmy.

John is a 52-year-old small-scale retailer from Kenya. He is a father of two and the family’s main breadwinner. Since his accident, his family has faced significant hardship. His wife has had to take on casual jobs to provide for the household, while also caring for him. John lost his father earlier this year, and on the way back from the burial, he was involved in a grisly road accident, narrowly escaping death. The incident occurred along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near Naivasha, when the matatu he was traveling in collided head-on with a bus. John sustained multiple injuries to his head, hands, pelvis, and legs. He was rushed to a district hospital, where he received first aid treatment. However, due to the severity of his injuries and multiple fractures, he sought specialized care at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Upon arrival, scans confirmed the extent of the fractures he sustained. Although he managed to enroll into the national health insurance scheme, it could not cover all the surgeries he requires. Since the accident, John has been confined to a wheelchair and requires assistance to move around. He continues to live in pain and is now reaching out for support so he can undergo an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure, and continue his recovery journey. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 5th, John will undergo a fracture repair procedure to treat his fractures, and help him regain his mobility. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. John says, “I am in constant pain. I can’t walk, sleeping is difficult, and I rely on pain medication just to get through the day.”

Elizabeth is a business lady from Malawi. She is married and has one child aged 28. She runs a small grocery shop. For about one year, Elizabeth has been experiencing pain on the right side of her abdomen. She visited the hospital and received pain‑relieving medication. However, the pain persisted, accompanied by a sensation of abdominal fullness. Six months later, further assessments were carried out. Her condition has significantly affected her ability to run her business, resulting in reduced income that is barely enough for her upkeep. Her husband is unemployed and also depends entirely on her shop. Elizabeth was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, which are abnormal growths that develop in a woman’s uterus. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Elizabeth's surgery. On February 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Elizabeth will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Elizabeth shared, "I wish I could get better to get rid of my pains because I need to concentrate on my business."

Gideon is a 10-year-old boy from Kenya, and the fifth-born in a family of seven children. Gideon’s parents first noticed a problem with his leg when he was only two months old. As he got older, it became evident that he was not developing like other children. Gideon was later diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement on one side of the body and makes walking difficult. Because of this condition, Gideon has faced many challenges. Although he is 10 years old, he is currently a Grade 1 pupil, whereas he should be in Grade 4. Difficulty in mobility has delayed his education, and limited his ability to play and move freely like other children. Despite these challenges, Gideon is a calm and hopeful child who longs to walk well and enjoy school like his peers. His father works as a herder, while his mother is a housewife who takes care of the family. Gideon’s parents have remained supportive and continue to hope for a better future for their son. His father shared his heartfelt wish, saying, “I want my child’s legs to be treated so that he can walk well like other children.” Gideon has clubfoot of right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Gideon traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on January 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gideon's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will improve his mobility, regain confidence, and continue his education without limitations. “I work hard as a herder, and my greatest hope is that this treatment will help Gideon walk better and go on with his schooling.” Gideon's father said.

Esther is 14 years old and the youngest of five children from Tanzania. When she was four years old, her mother passed away, leaving her and her siblings under the care of their grandmother. When Esther was five, she accidentally stepped on a thorn. The foot became infected and swollen, and she was rushed to the hospital for a tetanus shot. Days later, the swelling worsened, and she was taken back to the hospital, but this time the facility declined to treat her further due to financial issues. The untreated wound began to alter the structure of her right foot, eventually causing inward bowing that worsened over the years. She needs surgery to correct the position of her foot. Fortunately, Esther's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin treatment on December 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Esther's procedure and care. Esther dreams of walking without pain and finally being able to wear shoes. She said, "I want to walk properly so that I can help my grandmother with housework."

Hlaing is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his mother and two nephews in Tak Province, Thailand. Originally from Kachin State, Burma, his family fled to Thailand due to the civil war in Burma. Hlaing is unemployed and attends a Thai language school. His mother manages household chores, while his nephews are high school students at a migrant school. The family’s only income comes from Hlaing’s sister, who lives elsewhere and works as a shop vendor, sending them money monthly. This amount is just enough to cover the family's daily expenses. On October 10, 2025, Hlaing had an accident while going to the market. A CT scan of his head revealed a minimal subdural hematoma and multiple facial bone fractures. He needs surgery to facilitate the healing of his facial bone fractures, including the right cheekbone and chin. Currently, Hlaing’s superficial abrasion wounds have healed well, and he can eat and sleep. However, due to the head injury and multiple facial fractures, he experiences pain and difficulty chewing solid foods. These challenges have left him feeling guilty and burdened by his family’s situation. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Hlaing will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for November 7th and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Hlaing be free from pain while eating and be able to eat properly again. Hlaing shared softly, “After fully recovering, I will find a job and save money to support my mother and my nephews.”