Innocent is a cheerful one-year-old boy from Uganda, who brings joy to everyone around him. He loves to smile and, when he is feeling well, rarely spends a moment without expressing his happiness. He lives with his parents, who are small-scale farmers and rely on a limited income to meet their needs. Innocent is their only child, and the family has been doing their best to care for him despite financial challenges. Innocent was born with a condition known as non-palpable testis, meaning one of his testicles has not descended into the scrotum. His mother also noticed a swelling in his scrotal sac. Concerned about his condition, his parents first sought help at a local clinic, where they were advised to visit a larger hospital for specialized care. Innocent’s family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital, for further evaluation. Upon arrival, he was reviewed by doctors and underwent diagnostic imaging. The surgical team confirmed that he has right cryptorchidism (undescended testis). To correct this condition and prevent future complications, the surgeon has recommended an orchidopexy procedure to reposition the undescended testis into its proper place, improving Innocent’s long-term health and development. Fortunately, Innocent has been scheduled for corrective surgery on June 2nd at Rushoroza Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $220 to fund Innocent's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life, and reduce the risk of infertility or testicular cancer. Innocent's mother says, "I pray to God that my son will get the support he needs to undergo the recommended surgery, so that he can live a healthier and happy life with no pain."

Kelemua is a hardworking widow from Ethiopia who, at 80 years old, still supports her five sons by farming the land. However, she is losing her independence because of severe cataracts. Her vision is severely clouded, causing light sensitivity and making it difficult for her to move around safely. Her daily farm work and household chores now pose a risk of injury with her limited eyesight. And she is no longer able to contribute to the family’s income or do the work she loves. Two years ago, Kelemua developed a cataract in both eyes, causing her pain, blurry vision, and tearing. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Fortunately, Kelemua is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on June 10th, when surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly and resume her daily activities. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $300 to fund her procedure. "My greatest hope is to regain my sight so I can move around safely again. I miss working on the farm and helping out at home, and I want to get back to contributing to my family’s life," said Kelemua.

Mingseu is a two-year-old boy from Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. He lives with his loving parents and his four-year-old brother. His father works as a jeweller, and his mother stays at home to care for the children. In his free time, he enjoys playing with toy cars with his brother, and his favorite meal is fried fish with rice. Mingseu was born with polydactyly of his left hand. This means that he has an extra thumb that is non-functional and immobile. It makes everyday activities difficult, as the extra thumb often collides with objects and can cause injury. On March 23rd, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair to remove the extra finger. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will feel more comfortable, be able to use his hand easily, and no longer have to worry about his appearance. Mingseu's mother shared, “I sincerely hope that after the surgery, my child will be able to use his hand normally, play freely without pain, and grow up healthy, confident, and happy like any other child.”

Samwel is a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in a family of six. His mother is a farmer, and his father keeps livestock. Samwel has clubfoot on his left foot. 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. As the pain increased, Samwel began missing school and eventually dropped out because walking to and from class became too difficult. His family had never sought specialized treatment before, as they were unaware that corrective care was available. Through a village outreach visit, Samwel was identified and referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Samwel will begin clubfoot treatment on February 10th, and he needs help raising $1,119 to fund his care. After treatment, he will be able to walk without pain and return to school, restoring his chance at education and a productive future. Samwel's father says, “He stopped going to school because of the pain he experiences while walking, and I fear for his future if he fails to be treated.”

Sakun is 85 years old and a mother of seven children from Cambodia. She lives in a small neighborhood in Takeo province with her third daughter, who works as a farmer. Her other children are married and live in nearby villages. Although her family lives close by, she relies heavily on her daughter for daily support, as she has no job and very limited financial resources. Despite these challenges, she finds peace in simple moments, especially when listening to monks' sermon in her free time. Sakun recently slipped and fell in her bedroom, resulting in a left femoral neck fracture on her hip. Since the injury, she has been in severe pain and is unable to walk, leaving her completely dependent on others for mobility and even basic daily activities. The sudden loss of independence has been both physically and emotionally difficult for her. Sakun was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. On March 18th, Sakun will undergo a hip hemiarthroplasty procedure, which will cost $712, covering both surgery and post-operative care. During the procedure, surgeons will operate on her left hip to stabilize the fracture, relieve her pain, and restore her ability to walk. This surgery offers her not only physical healing, but also the hope of regaining her independence, rebuilding her strength, and returning to her normal daily life with dignity and renewed hope. Sakun said, “After the surgery, I hope I can walk again without pain, regain my strength, and return to my daily life with independence and hope for the future.”

Reaksa is a 25-year-old soldier from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Takeo province with his elderly parents, who work as vegetable sellers at a local market. His wife works at a book factory. In his free time, he helps his wife with household work and grows vegetables around his home to support their daily living. Four months ago, Reaksa was involved in a traffic accident, causing paralysis of his right arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his right hand and sometimes feels pain in his arm and elbow. He has difficulty bending his elbow and using his hand for daily activities and work, which affects his ability to perform his military duties and support his family. Reaksa traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery on February 24th. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. After recovery, he will gain movement and strength in his right arm, reduce pain, and improve elbow and hand function. This will allow him to perform daily activities and return to work more comfortably. Reaksa's family can contribute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs help raising $637 to fund Reaksa's procedure and care. Reaksa said, “I hope this treatment will help my hand recover so I can work and support my family again.”

Filisitiya is 47 years old and a mother of five from Malawi. Her husband takes on casual jobs as a builder, while she molds clay pots for a living. Seven months ago, Filisitiya started to experience pain and abnormal bleeding. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Her symptoms affect her ability to perform her daily tasks and her work. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Filisitiya's surgery. On June 8th, she will undergo gynaecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Filisitiya will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Filisitiya shared, "Concentration on my business is now poor, hence, reduced my monthly income; Your support will help me get better and care for my children better."

Saveoeun is a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province. She is a 66-year-old woman and has four sons, one daughter, and 13 grandchildren. She lives with her husband and her oldest daughter, who is a farmer. During her free time, she likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Saveoeun 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 Saveoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 11th, 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. Saveoeun said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better so I can easily go out and recognize people. I feel happy, and I want to grow vegetables around my home for selling."

Anaki is eight years old and a student from Malawi. He loves school and spends most of his free time playing with friends, laughing, and running as children do. He is the second-born of three children. His parents grow and sell vegetables. One week ago, while at school, Anaki climbed onto the wall of an incomplete structure and fell, landing badly on his left arm. He was in great pain and was taken home to his mother, who immediately brought him to the nearest health center. With limited resources, the health workers could only place his arm in a sling and refer him to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, for further care. It was seen that Anaki sustained a supracondylar fracture of his left forearm. Doctors determined that he would need an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure to properly repair the injury and restore full use of his arm. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Anaki will undergo fracture repair surgery on February 3rd, and he needs help to raise $525 to fund this procedure and care. Anaki's mother said, “I pray that after this surgery, my son will heal well and return to school. We are very thankful to everyone willing to help us."

47-year-old Edgadi is a small-scale farmer living in Uganda. She and her husband have one child, and also live with Edgadi's mother, who was recently widowed. Despite facing many hardships earlier in her life, Edgadi managed to complete Senior Four. To make ends meet, she and her husband do farming on their small piece of land, where they mostly grow food crops for home consumption, while selling any surplus to earn some income. Ten years ago, Edgadi began to experience troubling symptoms, including an anterior neck swelling, headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and pain when swallowing. She first sought treatment at a local hospital, but found no relief. She later visited another medical center, where she was advised to undergo surgery. As she could not raise the required funds, she returned home. She then tried local remedies, but she still couldn't find any relief. Eventually, a friend who knew someone who had been treated for a similar condition, advised her to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale. At the hospital, Edgadi was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck, which produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. Edgadi needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edgadi receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 10th, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and Edgadi and her family need your help to raise the funds. Edgadi says: “I have had this condition for a very long time, and even reaching this point, where I can hope for surgery, feels like a miracle. However, I am unable to raise the funds needed for the operation, and therefore, I kindly seek your support.”

Rafael is an adorable ten-month-old boy who lives with his parents and four older siblings in Ethiopia. As the youngest child, Rafael brings immense joy to his family, and his birth filled their home with happiness. He loves playing with his siblings and watching other children play football. Rafael's mother is a dedicated housewife, while his father is a truck driver and the family's sole provider. Shortly after birth, Rafael's mother noticed something different about Rafael's body. She brought him to a health center, where he was referred to a larger hospital. There, Rafael was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Rafael has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Unfortunately, there is a significant wait for surgery, and Rafael's family left the hospital without a surgery date. Months later, they received a call that Rafael could be seen at our partner's medical care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 9th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Rafael's mother shared, "May God bless each of you. Your support for our child will be rewarded, as God watches over those who lend a helping hand. Thank you all very much."

Patrocenio is a 63-year-old man from the Philippines. Two years ago, Patrocenio consulted a doctor about persistent abdominal pain. At times, the pain was so severe that he could not walk or perform simple daily chores. The attacks came without warning, leaving him uncertain about when the next episode would occur. After examination, the doctor explained that Patrocenio had gallstones and advised that they be removed through surgery. Patrocenio tried to seek help from different hospitals, but has not been able to undergo the surgery he needed. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 29th, Patrocenio will undergo gallbladder removal surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,325 to fund his procedure and care. Patrocenio shared, "Work had always been on my mind ever since my condition became worse. I want to move normally as I did before - working, doing house chores, and going out more to enjoy even the simplest of things."