Meet Emebet, a six-month-old baby girl from Ethiopia. Emebet lives with her mother and father in a remote village, where her father works to support the family with a limited income. “Emebet was born with a congenital anomaly, and as a result, she could not pass stool,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. “A colostomy was done recently to relieve Emebet from the partial intestine obstruction. This condition and use of a colostomy is hard on Emebet's mother.” For $1,500, Emebet will receive surgery to remedy the anorectal malformation. “This surgery, anorectoplasty, involves forming a new anus so that Emebet can pass stool normally,” says AMHF. “Three months after this surgery, the final surgery (colostomy closure), will be performed.” Emebet will be able to pass stool and lead a normal life. “Emebet's mother hopes that she will send her daughter to school once she is of age and healthy,” shares AMHF.

This is Victor, an adorable two-year-old boy from Kenya. Victor has an inguinal hernia on his right side, which causes him pain and discomfort. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), explains, “Victor is the last-born in a family of three children. He was born with spina bifida and developed hydrocephalus later. His parents used to the little savings they had for his surgeries then. Recently, Victor’s parents noticed swelling on his groin area that requires surgical care, but having exhausted all they had, they are not able to raise the funds required.” AMHF continues, “The family lives in a two-room rental house. Victor's father is a stonemason, and works at a construction site on casual basis, while his mother is a housewife. Victor’s father earns an average of $3 daily, which unfortunately does not meet the family’s basic needs. The family owns neither land nor livestock and depends entirely on the little income Victor’s father gets.” The family’s current employment situation, in addition to Victor’s medical history, makes it impossible to afford treatment. If left untreated, "the hernia could lead to strangulation of the intestines, thus cutting off blood supply," AMHF tells us. As it is, Victor has already been experiencing pain and swelling on the right side of his groin. For $430, Victor will undergo inguinal hernia repair surgery, in which an incision is made into the abdominal cavity and the hernia is either pushed back into place or removed. With this surgery, Victor will become a much healthier young boy. “It was a big shock to our family when we were informed that Victor needed more surgery. We have exhausted all our resources and thank God that we have come to a hospital where we will be assisted,” shares Victor’s mother.

"Fadix is from a war zone in Somalia. Her mother is unwell and cannot afford transport to get Fadix to the hospital," explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. One of Fadix's relatives brought her in to the hospital after noticing she was unable to pass stool normally. Fadix is a smiling newborn living in Ethiopia. She was born with an anorectal malformation. After she was born, she immediately underwent surgery to get a colostomy, an artificial passage to make it easier for her to eliminate waste. The colostomy is now blocked and she needs surgery in order to pass stool healthily. "It’s hard for us to get medical treatment for Fadix where we live. If Fadix does not get help here, we are afraid that she will die,” her relatives say. Fadix's family does not have the money they need to cover her medical bills and are eager for her to get better. With $1500, Fadix will receive an anorectoplasty. This operation will surgically create a new passage through which Fadix will pass stool. This operation will eliminate her need for a colostomy and ensure that she can eliminate waste from her body and grow into a healthy young child.

Eight-month-old Vivian lives with her mother and father in Kenya. “Vivian was born without an anal opening,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “She passes stool through a colostomy opening on the upper section of her abdomen and then into a collection bag.” “Vivian is at risk of infection because of occasional leakages that occur and cause general irritation and scaring on her skin,” AMHF adds. “If not treated, she will never be able to pass stool normally.” Vivian’s mother stays at home to care for her, while her father works as a cleaner at a shop close to their home, The money that her father earns does not cover basic needs for the family and his orphaned siblings, whom he also supports. Given the family’s financial situation, they are unable to pay for Vivian’s medical care. With $1,260 in funding, Vivian can undergo an anorectoplasty to create a new anal opening and correct the anorectal malformation. The surgery, says AMHF, will “allow Vivian to pass stool normally.” “I hope my child will pass stool normally soon,” says Vivian’s father. “Thank you for helping us.”