Belta is a 14-year-old girl from Kenya. Belta's father operates a boda-boda taxi in town, while her mother sells clothing in a nearby market. Belta is the second of three children and she aspires to become a pilot. When Belta was 10 years old, her mother noticed a change in how she walked. Belta would complain of pain while walking, which emanated from her back to her legs. Belta's family heard about our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure Hospital, through a friend, whose child had been successfully treated for a similar condition. The doctors found that Belta has a curvature of the spine and scheduled her for posterior instrument fusion surgery to take place on March 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to fund Belta's life-changing surgery which will enable her to walk without pain and discomfort. Belta shared, “I am looking forward to a complete recovery, continuing and finishing my studies well, and becoming a better person in the future who will greatly impact society.”

Zanila is a four-year-old girl from Dedza District in Malawi. She is an only child in her family, and is currently enrolled in primary school. Zanila’s parents are small-scale farmers, growing maize for consumption and groundnuts for commercial purposes. Recently, Zanila had climbed a guava tree to collect some fruits when she fell, sustaining an elbow fracture. She was rushed to a nearby health center where a supracondylar fracture diagnosis was confirmed, and her family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital for treatment. Zanila is presently in pain and unable to attend school or play with her friends. Her family is however not able to afford the surgery cost. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Zanila receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform an open reduction and internal fixation surgical procedure to repair the fracture and restore functionality. Now, Zanila's family needs help to fund this $525 procedure. Zanila’s mother says, “I am looking forward to my daughter’s treatment and recovery.”

Mikaeli is a 12-year-old boy. He is the oldest of three siblings in his family and a student. Unfortunately, he had to discontinue his studies due to mobility challenges caused by a congenital condition in his left foot. His father is struggling to find appropriate treatment for him, which is causing a lot of stress for the family. The condition causes an inward and downward twist in his left foot, and his parents are concerned about the potential implications on his future if left unaddressed. Mikaeli’s father, a farmer, serves as the primary breadwinner for their family of three children. Despite his efforts on the farm, the income generated from sales is insufficient to cover all their expenses. In response to this financial gap, the father takes on casual jobs to supplement their income. However, even with these combined efforts, the funds they currently generate are inadequate to meet the medical costs associated with their son’s condition. Fortunately, Mikaeli's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on December 29th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Mikaeli's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Mikaeli will eventually walk comfortably and wear regular shoes. Mikaeli’s father says: “I wish for my son's leg to be normal so that he can return to school and continue his education.”