Maria Fernanda is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. She is a sweet, kind-hearted girl full of dreams who enjoys spending time with others and leaves a special impression on everyone she meets. Her optimistic spirit and her ability to face challenges with courage are an inspiration to her family and to those who accompany her on her journey. Three years ago, Maria Fernanda was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild tenderness or discomfort around the navel, which becomes more noticeable when the child cries, coughs, or exerts himself. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. On October 20th, Maria Fernanda will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Maria Fernanda's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably. Maria Fernanda's mother said, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who are supporting her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally; that gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God abundantly bless your life and that of your family. Your support not only helps us meet a medical need but also restores our hope and peace of mind, knowing that María Fernanda will be able to receive the care she needs. We will always be grateful for this act of love and solidarity."

Yong is a 72-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is retired and previously worked as a midwife. Her husband died during the Khmer Rouge period, leaving her with one son. She now has five grandchildren. Yong lives with her nephew, who works in construction, while her son is a farmer. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks’ prayers on her phone. About three years ago, Yong developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Yong has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places independently. When Yong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 23rd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $263 more to fund her procedure and care. Yong shares, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can recognize others easily, travel farther, and no longer worry about my eyes.”

Vanna is a 70-year-old widow from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Spueu province, has six children, and lives with her fifth child, who works in a clothing factory. At home, she takes care of her grandchildren and enjoys listening to monk prayers on the radio. On the 29th of December 2025, Vanna fell while changing clothes to take a shower. The fall resulted in a fracture and dislocation of her left proximal humerus. This causes significant pain and stiffness in her left arm. She is unable to lift her arm, making daily activities and caring for her grandchildren very difficult. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 5th, Vanna will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will realign the broken bone pieces and create a stable frame for the bone to mend. After surgery and extensive physiotherapy, the function in her left shoulder and arm should improve. Vanna's family can contribute $100, but they need help raising an additional $500 to cover the cost of her procedure and care. Vanna said, “After the surgery, I hope that I will be able to use my left hand again and no longer have pain, so I can look after my grandchildren easily."

David, a 30-year-old Bible college graduate from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the sixth of eleven siblings and harbors a deep passion for teaching children and youths. In 2021, he arrived in Kenya to pursue a Diploma in Bible Theology. Since 2019, David has endured chronic pain in his right groin area, which has also affected his right leg, making walking a challenge during painful episodes. In June this year, doctors diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia and undescended testicles. David's condition worsens in cold weather, especially in the mornings and evenings. To manage the pain, he uses a supportive belt and applies warm water massages, but the colder climate has made his symptoms more severe. Throughout his college years, David struggled to attend classes regularly due to pain, even losing a part-time job as a French teacher because he couldn't stand for long periods. Despite these challenges, David successfully graduated in July this year. Currently, David is unemployed and lacks the financial means necessary for his surgery. He relied on a scholarship to cover his diploma fees, as his parents in Congo were unable to support him. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping David receive treatment. On August 12th, he will undergo corrective surgery at AIC Kijabe Hospital, so he can hopefully regain his health and pursue his passion for teaching. Now, David needs help to fund this $707 procedure. David says, “I love teaching children and the youth, and I hope to receive the treatment so I can pursue my dream.”

Moe is a 24-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, two aunts, a brother, a sister, two nieces, and one nephew in a village in Tak province. Moe and her husband moved to Thailand in February 2024 because of the conflict in her hometown. Her aunts sell dry food at home and Moe and her husband help. Moe doesn’t know exactly how much her aunt earns, but her aunt provides them with food and accommodation. In her free time, she likes to watch videos and learn how to use a sewing machine. When Moe arrived in Thailand in February 2024, Moe started to experience pain in her lower left abdomen. She thought it was not serious and didn’t seek treatment. At the end of April, the pain worsened and she then took painkillers. Her aunt brought her to a nearby clinic where she received an ultrasound. The medic informed her that she has cysts in both ovaries and referred her to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) for further investigation. There, the doctor diagnosed her with bilateral endometrial cysts and recommended surgery to relieve her of her pain and discomfort. On July 1st, Moe will undergo surgery to remove the cysts, and our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Moe's procedure. Moe said, “I feel very worried about my surgery. When I first learned that I required surgery, I felt worried and sad because I couldn’t afford to pay for it. But now that I have learned that the BCMF and donors will pay for my surgery, I feel very happy, and my stress has reduced. I would like to thank all donors and BCMF for supporting my treatment. Without your help, I couldn’t receive treatment. When I recover fully, I hope I can return to Burma and find a job”.

Liz is a mother of three children from Malawi. Liz and her husband are civil servants whose earnings are mostly used for upkeep, school fees, and rentals. Liz also cares for her late brother's three children. She likes cooking and listening to gospel music and enjoys eating rice served with beans. Last year, Liz began to experience troubling symptoms, including a neck swelling that she was not aware of until her friends mentioned it to her. She ignored the information because she could not feel anything abnormal until this year when she noted that her neck was becoming heavy and started experiencing frequent coughs. Liz was diagnosed with a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Liz receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on October 16th. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Liz said, “I had a fear of death but now I have committed my life to God for guidance and protection.”

Rachany is a two-year-old toddler from Cambodia. Rachany has three siblings - two brothers and one twin sister. She lives with her parents, her siblings, and her 73-year-old grandmother. Her two older siblings attend primary school. Her mother stays home to care for the children, while her father delivers wholesale rice noodles to retail stores. At home, Rachany enjoys playing with her twin sister and watching cartoons. When Rachany was first learning to walk, she fell and put both of her hands into a hot pot, resulting in devastating burns to both her hands and her forearms. The resulting burn scar contractures in both of her hands make it difficult for her to grasp objects and play. The deep burns have damaged the underlying muscle and bone. Her parents are worried about how others will perceive her and whether she will be able to write at school when she attends. They have serious concerns about her future. When Rachany's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On October 15th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore functionality to her arms and hands. Rachany's family is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and need help raising $395 more to fund the procedure. Rachany’s mother says: "I hope that as Rachany grows up, she'll be able to use her hands to do things for herself."