17-month-old Tesfanesh is a cheerful and playful baby girl from Ethiopia. She lives with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and her father, making her the beloved granddaughter of the family. Shortly after her birth, Tesfanesh’s parents separated. She was left in the care of her grandmother, who soon began to notice signs of an intestinal blockage.
Tesfanesh was referred to our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. Filled with hope, the family travelled to seek treatment. Tesfanesh was diagnosed with an anorectal malformation, which leads to a complete or partial blockage of the intestines and bowel dysfunction. She needs to undergo several surgeries to completely treat her condition. The first surgery has been completed, reducing her abdominal bloating and improving her overall health.
Tesfanesh is scheduled to undergo a second surgery to correct her condition on May 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Tesfanesh’s procedure and care. After her recovery, Tesfanesh will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future.
Tesfanesh’s grandaunt said, “I have great hope that the surgery will be successful, and that she will grow up to be healthy.”

