76-year-old Smaoh Bernado is a married man from Mpando Village in Mozambique. He has seven children, all of whom are married and in their respective homes. He lives with his wife and grandchildren. In the past, Smaoh was a farmer who grew maize for consumption and commercial purposes to support his family; however, due to his old age, he now depends on his children for support. Smaoh has been using a catheter for the past year as a result of his inability to pass urine. He experiences pain while attempting to pass urine and much discomfort from the catheter. He has been going to a local health center for regular catheter changes until he opted to seek additional evaluation and treatment at our medical partner's care center Nkhoma Hospital. Smaoh was diagnosed with enlarged prostate, and was scheduled for open prostatectomy surgery. His family is unable to cover the complete expenses of the procedure. If left untreated, he may have recurrent urinary tract infections, and he may have to live with the catheter. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Smaoh receive treatment. On March 12th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform open prostatectomy surgery which will relieve him of the pain. Now, Smaoh needs help to fund this $530 procedure. Smaoh says, “I look forward to returning home free from this condition.”

Juley is a 16-month-old baby from Haiti. He lives with his parents who are market vendors, and his grandparents in a small village near the capital. He is a very cheerful and curious child. Juley has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Two separate holes exist in and near his heart: one between the two lower chambers of his heart, and a second between two major blood vessels next to the heart. Blood leaks through these holes, leaving him weak and short of breath. Juley will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 2nd, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew the holes closed so that blood can no longer leak through them. Another organization is contributing funds to pay for surgery. Juley's family needs help funding the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkups, and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Juley's family overseas. Juley's mother says: "Our family will be praying for everyone who is helping our son become healthy!"

Liam is a 3-year-old boy from Kenya. Born to a single mother, he and his older sister live with their aunt as their mother temporarily relocated to Dubai in search of better opportunities. Their aunt, who is also a single mother, has two children of her own. She cares for the children and supports the family through beadwork. On April 12th, Liam was playing indoors when he accidentally fell out of a chair and injured his left elbow. He was promptly taken to the nearby hospital, where an X-ray revealed a closed fracture dislocation of his left hand. The doctors at the hospital recommended surgery for the fracture, but due to financial constraints, Liam's family decided to seek assistance from our medical partners at Nazareth Hospital. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On April 18th, Liam will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The treatment will alleviate pain and restore his hand's function. Furthermore, as he is still growing, it will reduce the risk of the fracture healing with deformity, which could further impair his hand function long-term. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1.049 to fund this procedure. Liam's Aunt said, “I am so desperate and don’t know what to do with him anymore. I hope he can get help so that at least his hand can be well again, as we plan to take him to school soon.”