Liam is a one-month-old baby boy from Bolivia. He and his mother live they live at the home of his grandmother. Their entire extended family is working to support Liam and his mother during this time. Liam has a cardiac condition called coarctation of the aorta. A narrowing of the aorta that causes blood to back up and places strain on the heart. On August 11th, Liam 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. Liam'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. Liam's grandmother shared, "We are just praying that doctors can help sweet Liam, and he can have a successful surgery. We are so grateful to all the wonderful people who are helping us; we have no words."

Simion is a 15-year-old student from Kenya who is currently in Grade 5. He is the youngest in his family of six children. His parents are small-scale farmers who also keep livestock for their daily livelihood. Simion's village has limited access to healthcare services, so his journey to receive care began unexpectedly when a stranger noticed Simion's walking pattern and kindly informed him and his mother about our medical partner's hospital program, encouraging them to seek help. When Simion and his mother came to the hospital, communication was initially challenging because Simion and his mother speak little Swahili and are more comfortable communicating in Maa, their local dialect. Simion has been diagnosed with clubfoot of the right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Simion was also born with a condition known as hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which has affected movement on one side of his body. This condition has made walking difficult for him and limited his ability to participate in childhood activities. Fortunately, Simion can undergo treatment with our partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on May 28th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Simion's treatment. After surgery, he will be able to walk easier, play with his friends, and continue his education with greater confidence. Simion's mother said, "I am looking forward to seeing my son walking normally like other children."

At five years old, Angel is currently in preschool in Colombia, and stands out as a curious child, with a strong academic performance, and remarkable personal motivation. From a very young age, he has proudly expressed his dream of becoming a doctor when he grows up. However, his daily life has been affected by a problem that goes beyond the physical: constant pain and oral discomfort have interfered with his concentration, his eating habits, and the normal development expected for his age. About six months ago, Angel was first examined by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed multiple deep cavities. Since then, he has been monitored regularly, but the progression of the disease has been evident. The intense and persistent pain, accompanied by swelling and marked difficulty eating, has begun to significantly impact Angel's quality of life. After assessing the extent of the lesions, the number of affected teeth, and the patient’s young age, the medical team determined that the best and safest option is to perform treatment under general anesthesia. This decision aims not only to ensure comprehensive and effective care, but also to protect the child’s emotional well-being. The proposed treatment, scheduled for April 28th at Clínica Noel, represents an opportunity for relief and recovery. Beyond resolving a dental problem, it will allow Angel to smile again without pain, eat properly, improve his academic performance, and resume his play and learning with peace of mind. Above all, it will give him the chance to continue dreaming of saving lives and becoming, one day, a renowned doctor. Now, Angel's family needs help to fund the $1,109 treatment. Angel's mother said: "As a mother, I sincerely hope that my son can finally feel at ease when it’s time to eat. For a long time, he hasn’t been able to enjoy his favorite food because of the pain and discomfort caused by the cavities he’s currently dealing with. Watching him suffer has been very difficult for me. I want to express my sincere gratitude, because thanks to people with such big hearts like you, families and children have hope again. I cannot find enough words to thank you for everything you are doing for my son. Your support and generosity mean so much to us, and make a huge difference in my little one’s life."

Wisnaida is a 16-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and three younger siblings. Her father is a music teacher, and her mother is a merchant. In her free time, Wisnaida enjoys singing. When Wisnaida was younger, she developed an infection that damaged her heart and led to a cardiac condition known as rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Because of this condition, one of the valves of her heart does not open and close properly, causing backwards blood flow, poor circulation, and fatigue. Without treatment, Wisnaida is at risk of valve enlargement and early heart failure. Thankfully, Wisnaida will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 24th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally. If they are unable to do so, they will remove it and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Mitral Foundation, is contributing $10,000 to pay for surgery. Now, Wisnaida's family needs help to fund the costs of related care. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Wisnaida's family overseas. Wisnaida shares, "I am praying that this surgery goes well so that I feel stronger and healthier!"

Leboo is a 13-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fourth-born in a family of seven children. His family depends on livestock keeping for income. Leboo has never attended school, partly due to distance and mobility challenges. Leboo was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. The bowing of his legs was first noticed approximately four years ago and has progressively worsened. 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. Leboo now experiences pain when walking long distances and has difficulty maintaining a stable gait. Without surgical correction, the condition will continue to limit Leboo’s mobility and daily functioning. His family has sought treatment in the hope that Leboo can walk without pain, gain independence, and have the opportunity to participate more fully in education and community life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Leboo. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Leboo's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Leboo says, “When I walk for a long time, my knees hurt. I wish I could move like other boys my age.”

Christine is a social and cheerful young girl from Kenya who loves singing and making friends. She is the second-born in her family of three and a Grade 5 pupil with big dreams of becoming a doctor one day, so she can help others who are suffering. Christine was born with a bowed right leg, known as right genu varus. For many years, she lived with the condition, and her family believed it was just a normal way of life. Christine's misaligned right leg causes her pain, especially when she walks long distances. This has made it hard for her to play, take part in school activities, and help at home. One day, Christine and her family were involved in a motorbike accident. She was taken to the hospital for treatment. While treating her injuries, the doctors noticed that her right leg was bowed. They referred her to the CURE mobile clinic for review, where surgery was recommended. Her family realized that Christine's condition was not normal, and there was hope to relieve the pain she experienced day to day. Christine is scheduled to undergo surgery on January 28th to correct this condition and improve her quality of life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Christine's procedure and care. “I pray that I will get healed and be like my friends,” Christine told us.

Stella is a lively and cheerful six-year-old girl. She is the third of five children and brings joy to everyone around her. Her parents are small-scale farmers. Stella recently started school and is excited about learning. She loves singing with her classmates, playing simple games, and helping her mother at home. Stella has a clubfoot on her right side, a condition present since birth. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Her parents sought treatment locally in the past, but due to financial limitations, they were unable to continue. Currently, it is difficult for Stella to keep up with other children, especially when walking long distances to school. Fortunately, Stella's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on December 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Stella's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will walk comfortably, stay in school, and look forward to a future full of possibilities. Stella’s mother says, “I wish nothing but the best for Stella. We may lack financial means, but we will find means for her to get help.”

Yohane is a 12-year-old student from Tanzania. He comes from a large family of eight children, and his parents are small farmers who rely on the land for their livelihood. Despite his condition, Yohana has always shown a determined spirit and a bright smile. He had to drop out of school because of the challenges he faced walking to and from school. Yohane has clubfoot on his right foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Yohane's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, where the medical team will begin clubfoot treatment on November 11th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Yohane's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Yohane says, “I miss going to school with my friends.”