Tamiru is a brave and bright five-year-old boy from Ethiopia who loves playing with friends and exploring new ideas. Tamiru comes from a large family with nine children—four daughters and five sons. His father is a farmer, but as the parents have aged, they can no longer work the land. Two of Tamiru's married sisters and their husbands support their parents by farming a portion of the family land. Three of his brothers work as daily laborers, while two younger brothers continue their education. Amidst these challenges, the family has faced immense hardship. One sister, who moved to Addis Ababa four years ago for domestic work, went missing after just one year. Despite their desperate search for her, the family has been left in distress, and the emotional toll has been heavy. Tamiru's mother carries the burden of daily life, managing the home and caring for the family. She struggles with her health, suffering from the effects of smoke from cooking fires and the relentless demands of their difficult living conditions. Their home, made of mud, was damaged during the war, and they now live in a makeshift tent against a crumbling wall, constantly fearing for their safety. With limited access to food, they often go hungry, surviving on just one meal a day or sometimes none at all. Tamiru has faced his own health challenges since birth, suffering from a painful left inguinal hernia, a condition that results from a weakness in the abdominal wall. This condition requires urgent surgery to prevent serious complications, and it has taken a toll on both him and his family, weighing heavily on their spirits. Tamiru's mother expresses the family's struggles, saying, “We never had the chance to go to school. We can’t read or write. I fear for my child’s health, and it has been incredibly difficult. We are thankful for the support we’ve received from the social worker to get here - to the city and to the hospital, but we need your help.” Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tamiru receive treatment. On October 7th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate Tamiru's pain and discomfort and prevent future medical complications. Now, Tamiru's family needs help to fund this $512 procedure. Tamiru's father says, “I hope that this surgery will treat his condition and allow him to live normally, free of any complications. I place my trust in God's hands and in the skills of the doctors.”

Collins is a freelance electrician from Kenya who relies on casual labor for income to support his family. Collins is the family's main provider, consisting of his four younger siblings, his widowed mother, his wife, and their two-year-old child. In October 2022, Collins was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on his way home from work and fractured his left leg. After surgery, an internal fixation device was installed, but unfortunately, he was still unable to walk and continued to experience pain even after his discharge. Scans revealed the device was misplaced, resulting in further surgery to remove and replace the device. The second set of surgeries was a success and Collins could finally walk again. Tragically, in July 2024, Collins suffered another setback. He slipped and fell in the bathroom, fracturing the bone above his left knee. He was diagnosed with a fracture of the left distal femur which requires immediate surgery. Unfortunately, Collins cannot afford the cost of the surgery. His insurance covered previous medical expenses but has now reached its limit. On September 16th, Collins will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk again, regain his livelihood, and continue supporting his family. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, requests $1,042 to fund this procedure. Collins says, “My family has struggled since my accident, I am unable to provide for them and this pains me so much.”

Arlet is a preschooler from Bolivia. She lives in a valley in southern Bolivia with her father (who is a farmer), her mother ( who is a homemaker), and one older sister. She goes to preschool and loves coloring and drawing. Arlet has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. On July 24, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance is helping her family raise $1,500 to directly support her treatment. Her mother shared: "Our family has been hoping and praying for this surgery ever since our daughter was a small baby, and we are so glad to have the chance now."