Dickson is a sweet five-year-old and the second born in a family of three children. Dickson’s father works finding jobs on construction sites for a living while the mother sells vegetables and fruits to be able to support their family. One of their relatives told Dickson’s parents to try seeking treatment for him with our medical partner's care center in Arusha. Dickson was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, where his knees bow so that they always touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty and pain walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Dickson. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 4th. Treatment will hopefully restore Dickson's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Dickson’s mother shared: “We have tried to seek treatment for our son but eventually we could no longer continue due to financial challenges."

Kar Aung is a one-year-old boy from Burma. One of six siblings, he lives with his mother, father, and older brother on a relative’s farm. His mother hopes that he will become a medic when he grows up. Hours after Kar Aung was born in September 2015, his mother noticed an abnormal growth on his nose. A few days later, she took him to a private clinic, where the doctors diagnosed Kar Aung with nasofrontal encephalocele. This neural tube defect, resulting from a failure of the neural tube to fully close during fetal development, causes protrusions of the brain through openings in the skull. Kar Aung and his mother returned to the clinic four times, at great financial cost. Each time, they received medication, but his symptoms never improved. Finally, Kar Aung’s father contacted our medical partner's care center, Mae Tao Clinic (MTC). In March of 2016, six-month-old Kar Aung and his parents made the long, expensive journey to MTC. Upon examination, Kar Aung was diagnosed with tuberculosis and nasofrontal encephalocele. “I worried that my son will not be cured, as I have never seen kids like this in my village,” Kar Aung’s mother says. “I will always love him." Fortunately, Kar Aung is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 13. Our medical partner is requesting $1,500 to cover medications, surgery, transportation, and two weeks of hospital stay. When Kar Aung is fully recovered, he should be pain-free and able to see clearly.

Lucy is a bright five-year-old girl from Tanzania. She enjoys playing with her friends at her orphanage. She was born with clubfoot, which means her foot is twisted. Though she underwent previous treatment, her condition has relapsed. As a result, Lucy is not able to wear shoes. Lucy's treatment includes surgery and physiotherapy and is scheduled to begin on January 17. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,160 to fund X-rays, medications, surgery fees, Lucy's cast, and her hospital stay. "We look forward to when Lucy has finished her treatment and is able to continue with her studies like her friends," says Lucy's caregiver.

Eva is fourteen months old and has malnutrition, a dangerous condition that occurs when the body doesn't get enough nutrients. In the short term, malnutrition means Eva has little energy to grow, and her immune system is weak. If Eva does not receive treatment, she will also face malnutrition’s long-term consequences, including increased risk of chronic diseases, delays in cognitive development, and irreversible stunted growth. Fortunately, malnutrition is very treatable. Eva lives in rural Guatemala with her parents and five older siblings. She is shy with new people, but her family reports that once she knows a person, she is smiley and warm. Eva likes to plays cars with her older sister, and when she hears music on the radio, she tries to dance. Her favorite foods are eggs and watermelon. The family wants the best for baby Eva, but their limited resources are already stretched thin. Her father works in agriculture in the countryside, and her mother takes care of the household. Eva will begin treatment on January 19, and the family needs help to raise $437. With growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation, Eva's treatment will give her a chance to grow healthily. This life-changing treatment will give Eva the opportunity to play and grow, supported by a healthy brain and body.