Rachel is an active and social 12-year-old girl from Kenya. Despite her challenges, she remains hopeful and optimistic about her future. Rachel is currently in Grade 7, but has paused her studies due to her medical condition. Two days after Rachel was born, her mother noticed that Rachel's head was enlarging and that her eyes appeared sunken. Rachel was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Rachel underwent shunt insertion surgery to drain the excess fluid, but the shunt failed within days. Rachel and her mother then journeyed 130 kilometers to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. There, Rachel underwent a successful shunt revision surgery, and her mother’s joy was beyond words. They returned home, and life improved significantly. Unfortunately, hydrocephalus shunts can become blocked over time, making revision surgeries necessary. Rachel has had two more surgeries at three and seven years of age. She now requires another shunt revision surgery, so that she can resume her daily activities like other children her age. Without surgery, Rachel will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Rachel that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 13th and will drain the excess fluid from Rachel's brain. Rachel shares, "I am in pain, I haven't been able to go to school. I want to get better so that I can continue learning. I look forward to leaving the hospital feeling better so that I can go home, play with my siblings, and attend school."

Bikila is 65 years old and a farmer from Ethiopia. He has seven children. Two years ago, Bikila developed a cataract in both eyes, causing blurry vision and reduced sight. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear natural lens inside your eye that causes blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside without the support of his family. Fortunately, Bikila is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, where surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Bikila needs help to raise $300 to fund this procedure. "My biggest hope is to get my eyesight back so I can see the world around me clearly again. I just want to walk safely on my own feet without anyone’s help. I miss my freedom so much, and I want to be independent again," said Bikila.

Yeng is 64 years old and a retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He is married and has four sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. He currently lives with his wife and his daughter, who works at a garment factory. In his free time, he enjoys joining traditional ceremonies and visiting the pagoda, which are important parts of his social and spiritual life. About two years ago, Yeng developed eye irritation, tearing, and a persistent foreign body sensation, making it difficult for him to see clearly and recognize people well. His eyelids turn inward, causing his eyelashes to scrape the surface of his eyes. It is difficult for him to open his eyelids and see. These symptoms have caused discomfort and worry, limiting his confidence in daily activities. On February 17th, Yeng will undergo surgery at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). This procedure will address his condition and help him see better. Yeng can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $273 more to fund his care. Yeng said, "After surgery, I hope my eye irritation and tearing will stop, the itching will be relieved, and my vision will improve so I can recognize others clearly again." He also wishes to regain his independence and confidence, allowing him to attend ceremonies and visit the pagoda comfortably without concern.