Helton is a bright and cheerful four-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the first born child in a family of two children. His parents are humble farmers who cultivate maize as their main source of food and income. Although life in their rural community is modest, the family is close-knit and supportive. Helton spends most of his days at home playing near the family compound. Despite his joyful nature, Helton’s father has long been worried. Helton was diagnosed with wind swept deformity, a condition where his legs bow and appear windswept. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. The condition makes walking long distances painful and tiring. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $631 to fund treatment for Helton. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 30th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Helton's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Helton’s father says, “I wish for my son to live a good, normal life that is not shaped by a condition he developed growing up.”

Jhovana is 12 years old and a young student from Bolivia. She is in the ninth grade, and loves to play soccer with her friends. She lives in the southern part of Bolivia with her dad, who works in the fields; her mom, who takes care of a herd of llamas; and six siblings. Last year, Jhovana had a nosebleed that wouldn't stop, so her parents took her to the doctor, who detected a heart murmur and sent her to a cardiologist for diagnosis. Jhovana has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition stops Jhovana's blood from circulating properly, causing weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On November 11th, Jhovana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Jhovana'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. Jhovana's father shared, "I just want my daughter to be healthy like her other brothers and sisters, so she can have a healthy life!"

Kayo is a bright and cheerful boy from Ethiopia. He finds joy in his surroundings and shares a deep bond with both his mother and sister. His mother diligently manages their home, while his father, a hardworking daily laborer and mason, works to provide for the family. Kayo was born with a right inguinal hernia, a congenital defect caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. The condition becomes more noticeable during activities such as crying, running, or playing. It often causes irritability, reduced appetite, and discomfort, including burning or aching sensations. Surgical intervention is essential to prevent severe complications such as incarceration and to relieve any psychological distress. Kayo’s mother first noticed the condition when he was just six months old, but the family’s financial situation prevented them from seeking medical care. As time went on, the swelling became increasingly visible, even through his clothes. Kayo was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre, where he will undergo hernia repair surgery on November 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $512 to fund Kayo's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Kayo's mum expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved who is supporting my child. I sincerely hope my child will be healthy after the surgery."

Benjamin is a seven-month-old baby boy from Bolivia. He is his parents' first child. His mom is studying to become a speech therapist, and his dad works in a call center. Benjamin was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. His aorta has a passage that is much narrower than normal, causing blood to back up and placing strain on his heart. On November 25th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will surgically repair the affected section of the aorta so that it is a more normal size. Benjamin'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. Benjamin's mother shared, "I'm grateful that the children's hospital has these kinds of surgeries so that the doctors can help him here."

Abdulnasir is a baby from Ethiopia. He is a cute baby boy. Abdulnasir has one brother and he loves to play ball with him. He also loves cars. Abdulnasir’s father is a labor worker and he earns low income which is insufficient for their daily food. His mother is a house wife and she raises her two children full time. Sometimes she tries and bakes bread to make some extra money. Abdulnasir was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Abdulnasir is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on October 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Abdulnasir's procedure and care. After his recovery, Abdulnasir will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Abdulnasir father said, “We are worried because our child is sick. And with his wound and with all his suffering we suffer a lot. We are so poor and we struggle even to feed our boys. We can’t afford the medical bills. We are living by the support of our mosque and men from our mosque. I don’t have land to farm so I am a day laborer.”

Chan Muoyling is a toddler from Cambodia. She likes watching cartoons. Chan Muoyling was born with syndactyly of her left hand. This means that her middle finger and ring finger are fused together. Her family is worried about how she'll develop. Fortunately, on November 20, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused digits. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $365 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will have improved hand function and her family will feel more comfortable about her development. "I hope my granddaughter can fix her fingers," says her grandmother.

Sona is a five-year-old girl from Cambodia. She has one older brother and loves to watch cartoons. As a toddler, Sona developed a high fever. A doctor in her village gave her multiple injections in her thigh in order to help treat her illness. The muscle around the injection site on her left leg became stiff. Ever since then, Sona has had trouble walking and bending her leg. Surgery has been recommended to release the muscle contraction in Sona’s leg. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $417 to fund Sona’s treatment. Her operation is scheduled for November 21 at our medical partner’s care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. This surgery will increase her mobility and help her to play with other children. “I hope my daughter can use her leg,” Sona’s mother says.

Zar Ni is a three-year-old boy who lives in Thailand. He loves to play and invent his own languages. His parents are originally from Burma, but they moved across the border to work as day laborers in a tapioca plantation. Last year, Zar Ni began to experience coughing, a runny nose, and a high body temperature. His mother found three lumps of tissue on his abdomen. On October 28, he underwent a CT scan, which will allow doctors to examine his abdomen and make a diagnosis. Now, his family needs help to pay for this $414 procedure.

Loun is an 81-year-old rice and crop farmer with three sons, one daughter, and 21 grandchildren. She likes to listen to monks pray on the radio and to go to the pagoda. About two years ago, Loun developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurred vision, tearing, cloudy lenses, and extreme sensitivity to light. She has trouble doing work, recognizing faces, and going outside. Loun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and traveled one hour with her daughter in hopes of receiving care. On October 27, she underwent cataract surgery. For $292, we can pay for this vision-restoring surgery. Loun says, "I hope that my eyes can see clearly, so that I can continue my work on the farm and go anywhere by myself."

Ken is a newborn baby from Kenya. He is the third child in his family, with siblings of six and ten years of age. Ken's mother is a cleaner at a government office, and his father is a farmer. The family lives in a two-roomed wooden house in their ancestral land. Their income is limited. Ken was born with a malformation in a sensitive area. On November 18, he underwent the first surgery of a treatment process that will take three months. This treatment will prevent Ken from experiencing pain, discomfort, and other complications. His family needs our help to fund this $1,500 procedure. “I want my son to have a normal lifestyle," says Ken's mother, "just like any other newborn baby."

Yeferson was born just a few weeks ago. Since then, however, his mother has been unable to produce enough breastmilk. As a result, Yeferson is losing weight and not growing. When he is hungry, his mother gives him warm water in a bottle. This limited diet is insufficient and has dangerous implications for Yeferson's health. Lactation failure can lead to starvation and dehydration. Brain development is compromised, and Yeferson is at risk of long-term damage. Fortunately, he began treatment on November 22. Yeferson lives with his parents, two sisters, and brother in rural Guatemala. The family owns their own home, but their resources are limited. Yeferson’s father works in agriculture, which means his income is inconsistent. He needs help to fund this $1,107 treatment. Yeferson's treatment will be simple and effective. He will receive formula, which will give him the protein, calories, and nutrients he needs to grow and develop. His mother will receive in-home nutrition education, so she will learn low-cost ways to prevent future cases of malnutrition. Yeferson's immune system will strengthen, and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby. "I don't want him to get sick," says Yeferson's mother. "I want to see him grow healthy and happy. I appreciate the help you will give my son, and when he is grown, I would like him to be a professor to give classes in the school."

Meet Sim, a 70-year-old man from Cambodia. “Sim is married with one son, two daughters, and four grandchildren. He spends his free time visiting the pagoda to listen to the monks pray,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “Seven years ago Sim developed a cataract in each eye. This causes him blurred vision, tearing, and irritation,” reports CSC. Cataracts occur as proteins develop in the lens of the eye, causing cloudiness. Without treatment, the cloudiness increases over time and results in slowly deteriorating vision. They can ultimately result in total blindness. "It is hard to see everything clearly and I cannot do any work very well," explains Sim. "I can't go outside by myself." For $225, Sim will undergo a surgery to replace the lenses on both of his eyes. In each eye, doctors will make a small incision to surgically remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new, artificial lens. "I hope after treatment my eyes can see everything clearly again. I can help my family do some work on the farm. I hope I can visit the pagoda or anywhere by myself,” shares Sim.