Abdirahim is a 15-year-old boy who lives in Tanzania with his aunt and father. A few years ago, Abdirahim was diagnosed with meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain. Abdirahim also acquired hydrocephalus, a condition in which high amounts of cerebrospinal fluid build up in cavities of the brain. The fluid buildup makes him agitated and aggressive, explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Although Abdirahim initially had a shunt placed to drain the fluid, the shunt has stopped working properly. "Abdirahim is unable to walk without support and his vision is becoming blurry. The chance of him losing his vision and become completely dependent is very high if not treated." AMHF recommends that Abdirahim's shunt be replaced. With the replacement, he will “get better, and have a good chance of regaining his vision and balance.” The cost to replace his shunt is $775. This cost covers all surgical fees, antibiotics, and a hospital and rehabilitation stay. ”He’s had so many operations. I hope this will be the last one for him," his aunt shares. "All we need is for him to get well, regain his ability to walk without support, and just be able to socialize with other kids."

Meet Precious, a 15-month-old girl from Tanzania who has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid builds up in her brain cavity. Precious had previously been treated for her hydrocephalus, and received a stunt to reroute the extra fluid in her head to her stomach where it would be reabsorbed into the body. Unfortunately, her shunt malfunctioned and she's now experiencing negative side effects. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), informs us, "Precious is experiencing stomach distention, she has lost her appetite and doesn’t get stool as she should. If not treated, Precious will lose her life." Precious' mother is a single mother of three who is currently depending on her own mother to support herself and her children as she stays home to take care of Precious. For $775 we can fund Precious' treatment to fix her shunt and drain the excess fluid from her brain. After this surgery, AMHF says, "Precious will feel better. Her stomach will go back to a normal size, she will regain her appetite." “I pray that my baby will get well and continue with normal growth. I need to be working so that I can take care of all of my children.” said Precious’ mother.

Dokdang is a 28-year-old man from Nigeria who is "currently studying to become a teacher. He loves reading, outdoor sports and making friends," our medical partner, Hope For West Africa (HFWA), shares. Dokdang's hand has become deformed because of a snake bite. Because of his condition, performing daily activities and doing the things he loves is difficult. HFWA reports, “Dokdang is unable to lift objects and he experiences excruciating pains. His hand is affecting his studies and his ability to concentrate in school.” For $1,474, Dokdang will undergo an open reduction and internal fixation procedure, during which his hand will be surgically opened and the damaged areas inside will be corrected. Receiving surgery will help him “concentrate on his studies and achieving his life dream of becoming a teacher." After he heals, Dokdang’s quality of life will improve dramatically and it will be much easier for him to do the things he loves. HFWA shares, “Dokdang looks forward to the surgery as this will enable him to continue pursuing teaching and also to participate in most outdoor sports.”