Nabulu is a one-month-old baby girl. She is the last born child in a family of six children, and lives with both of her parents. Her father is a pastoralist and the sole provider for the family. Nabulu has clubfoot on both feet, 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 were referred to Kafika House for specialized review and care after she was born at a nearby facility. Nabulu is scheduled to begin treatment on September 25th with a series of gentle casting and manipulation to gradually improve the alignment of her feet. Once her feet have reached the appropriate position, she will undergo a tenotomy procedure to further correct the condition. She will then be fitted with a foot abduction brace (FAB), which she will wear until the age of five to help prevent the clubfoot from recurring. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Nabulu's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Nabulu has the opportunity to wear regular shoes as she grows up, and walk comfortably as she reaches important developmental milestones. Receiving treatment gives her family hope that her condition can be corrected early, before it starts limiting her mobility. “We are grateful that we were directed to Kafika House after Nabulu was born. We hope that through this treatment, she will grow up walking comfortably and wearing regular shoes like other children,” says Nabulu's mother.

Aitana is a young girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom and her dad, who have a small convenience store. Aitana has a twin sister and an older brother; they live in the northern part of Bolivia. Where they live, there are no cardiologists. So, when her mom noticed that her heart was beating too fast, she took her to a different area where she found out she had a heart condition and needed surgery. Aitana has a cardiac condition called an atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. On April 15th, Aitana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Aitana'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. Aitana's mother shared, "We were looking forward to this day, I trust everything will go well, I pray for that."

Helen is an eight-year-old girl from Colombia. She is currently in the 3rd grade, and enjoys participating in school activities, and reading stories. Helen dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Helen has an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. The condition makes it painful for her to play, and limits activities that require physical strength. She sometimes experiences discomfort or tenderness in the affected area. Fortunately, on April 16th, our medical partner, Clínica Noel, will perform Helen's hernia repair surgery to help her live a healthier life. Helen's family is unable to raise the required treatment costs, and are seeking support to raise $786 to fund her surgery and care. Helen's mom said, "I am deeply grateful to all the kind and generous-hearted people who are supporting my daughter's treatment. Thank you very much in advance. Your support not only addresses a medical need, but also fills our hearts with hope."

Oun is A 77-year-old farmer from Cambodia. She previously planted corn and beans. She is divorced and has three daughters and seven grandchildren. She lives with her oldest daughter, who works as a construction laborer. In her free time, she enjoys going to the pagoda and joining religious ceremonies. Oun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Oun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 5th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure and care. Oun said, "I hope that after the eye surgery, my vision will improve so she can move around more easily, take care of my grandchildren, and help my daughter with housework. I also wish to be able to go to the pagoda and participate in ceremonies at places that are farther from my home."

Fatin is a nine-year-old student from Cambodia. She is a hardworking Grade 4 student from Kompong Cham Province who enjoys studying mathematics. She lives with her mother, who is a rice farmer, and her two siblings. Her father passed away five years ago. Her oldest sister is a university student, and her older brother is in the 9th grade. In her free time, she helps her mother with daily work and completes her homework. She dreams of becoming a nurse in the future and enjoys eating chicken soup. Fatin was born with polydactyly of both feet. This means that she has extra toes on both feet. This condition makes it difficult for her to wear shoes comfortably and has caused her to be teased by other children, affecting her confidence. Fortunately, on April 21st, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra toe. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to wear shoes comfortably, walk more easily, and feel more confident in her daily life. Fatin's sister said, “After the surgery, I hope that my sister will no longer have difficulty wearing shoes and will feel more confident.”

Joy is a nine-month-old girl from Kenya who lives with her family not too far from our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital. Joy was born with an umbilical hernia, a bulge near the belly button. Initially, it was a small swelling and her mother was advised to wait and see if it would heal on its own. However, the swelling has continued to increase in size, and is now affecting Joy’s feeding. According to her mother, when Joy cries or coughs, the swelling produces a sound. Coincidentally, Joy's mother has previously received treatment for a hernia, which had developed soon after she gave birth to Joy. Doctors have advised that Joy needs to undergo hernia repair surgery. If left untreated, Joy will continue experiencing feeding difficulties, which may affect her growth and development, and she may also develop further symptoms including pain. Fortunately, on January 20th, Joy will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nazareth Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $517 to fund Joy's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Joy's mother says: "First, I appreciate the support you gave me during my treatment, and I got well. My baby has the same issue, and I hope to get help so that she can be operated on and grow up like other children."

Thiago is a three-year-old intelligent, cheerful, polite, and outgoing three-year-old boy from Colombia who dreams of becoming a soccer player when he grows up. Thiago has severe tooth decay that affects multiple teeth and, due to the extent of the lesions and his young age, it is recommended that he undergo comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia as the safest and most effective management of the condition. The procedure will allow for complete oral rehabilitation, including the removal of carious lesions, restorations, and comprehensive management of the affected teeth. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. They have scheduled the procedure for February 24th. Thiago and his family need help raising $868 to fully fund the surgery and his care. After the surgery, Thiago will enjoy a pain-free, better quality life. His family shared, "What a blessing to have your support for this treatment, which represents such great hope for us. This procedure will help in his recovery and improve his quality of life. Beyond the financial support, your solidarity and empathy mean so much to our family. Thank you for believing, for helping, and for accompanying us at this important time."

Sarom is a 55-year-old man from Cambodia. He works as a cleaner in a hotel. He and his wife have one daughter. In his free time, he enjoys running for exercise and sometimes participates in marathons. Sarom developed a cataract in both eyes, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Sarom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On March 5th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $293 procedure. Sarom said, "I hope that after surgery, my eyesight will improve so I can see clearly, continue working comfortably, and no longer worry about my eye condition."

Lissa is a beautiful and brave 3-year-old girl from Tanzania. Her smile lights up every room she enters. She is the firstborn in a family of two children, and her parents describe her as curious, playful, and incredibly sharp for her age. Lissa already attends preschool, where she enjoys singing, drawing, and interacting with other children. Her father, a hardworking Bajaji tricycle driver, is deeply devoted to his daughter. Lissa was diagnosed with bilateral varus; her legs bend outward at the knee so that they do not touch. 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. She has difficulty walking for long distances. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Lissa. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 5th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully improve Lissa's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Lissa's father dreams of seeing his daughter walk freely and confidently, without pain or difficulty, especially as she grows older and continues with school. He said, "I often imagine Lissa running around without complaint of pain and discomfort, just like other children her age."

Melany is an intelligent, affectionate, and kind girl. She is known for being active and generous, always willing to share. She loves to play and explore the world around her. However, due to a condition in her teeth that appeared when she was just three years old, she has stopped smiling freely for fear of being teased by other children. Despite this, she remains cheerful and has dreams for the future: when she grows up, she wants to become a soccer player. Melany is scheduled for dental surgery on December 17th. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $868 to fund her treatment and care. The dental treatment under general anesthesia will help eliminate deep cavities. It will be performed under general anesthesia, which guarantees pain relief, anxiety control, and safety during the procedure. Before the procedure, a complete medical evaluation will be performed, and after the procedure, Melany will undergo a period of supervised recovery. Melany's parents say, "We are overjoyed to know that our daughter will be able to receive the treatment we have been waiting for. This step will not only help her regain the confidence to smile comfortably, but also improve her physical and emotional health. We cannot find the words to express our gratitude; we are convinced that Melany will be very happy to know that, thanks to your generosity and commitment, we will be able to overcome this condition together that has accompanied her since she was so young."

Vuthy is a five-year-old kindergartener from Cambodia. He is from Kampong Speu province and is the oldest of three siblings. His father works as a police officer, and his mother stays at home to take care of the children. Vutty enjoys school, especially studying Khmer reading and writing. During his free time, he enjoys watching Khmer music videos and playing with his friends. Vuthy was born with right-arm weakness. His parents noticed that he could not lift his wrist and had difficulty holding objects since he was six months old. He has relied on his left hand for daily tasks. He needs to undergo a tendon and nerve repair procedure to help regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Vuthy receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on November 18th. This procedure will cost $701, and Vuthy and his family need your support. Vuthy's father said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to do his activities at school more easily.”