Michael is a 10-year-old student from Kenya. When his mother was pregnant with him, she went through a very hard time. She had married into a different tribe, and this brought her a lot of pain. “I was rejected because I was seen as a foreigner,” she said quietly. “This made my pregnancy very difficult. Then my only son was born with clubfoot, and life felt too heavy to bear.” Clubfoot is a condition where one or both feet turn inward, affecting the bones and muscles. Michael lived with this condition on both of his feet for almost ten years without treatment. As he grew older, walking became painful and tiring. “My feet are very sensitive,” Michael said. “I cannot walk without my slip-on shoes. I want to walk fast or even run, but I cannot.” Many times, he leaned on walls for support while watching other children walk and play freely. His mother's pain grew deeper when her in-laws rejected her and her husband, saying their child was cursed. Michael’s father supported them at that time. But after everything they went through, they stopped looking for treatment, and Michael grew up with the condition. Even so, they still hoped that one day things would change. In 2025, that hope came back when they moved to a new village. A neighbor told Michael's mom about CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya. Fortunately, Michael traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. At the clinic, the doctors examined Michael and quickly scheduled him for surgery. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on March 25th. While Michael is scheduled for surgery, his family cannot afford it. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Michael's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and attend school without disruptions. "I am looking forward to getting better so that I can continue with my studies and engage with my friends in playing football," Michael told us.

Keol is a three-month-old boy from Ethiopia. He is the third child in his family and lives with his parents and two brothers. His father sells vegetables to support the family, while his mother is a housewife. He is very sociable and loves playing with his older brother. When Keol was a month old, his parents noticed a swelling in his groin area. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. Keol was then placed on a waiting list for surgery. The three-month wait has been a difficult and uncertain period for the family, particularly for his mother, who shared that she reached out to others around her for reassurance during this time. Keol's parents finally got the call they had been waiting for, and were referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Keol's surgery has been scheduled for May 4th, and once completed, will allow Keol to live a healthier life. Now, Keol's family needs help to fund this $512 procedure. Keol’s father said, "Thanks to Jesus Christ and the donors. I continue to hope and pray for Keol, and I truly believe he’s in a good condition.”

Mariat is a two-year-old girl from Ethiopia. In a home filled with quiet worry, this young girl battles recurring tonsillitis, finding comfort only in the arms of the older brother she loves so dearly. Her mother is a homemaker, while her father is a nurse. Nine months ago, Mariat started to experience burning fevers and painful swallowing. The recurring illness has caused a painful cycle of fatigue, poor sleep, and a loss of appetite. Her loud snoring and restless nights leave the whole family drained. Managing her health has become a source of deep worry for her parents, who find it nearly impossible to cover the costs of her treatment on a single, limited salary. Mariat was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mariat, which is scheduled to take place on January 24th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mariat of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mariat's parents shared, "Our family hopes this surgery will bring the lasting relief she deserves. We look forward to seeing her healthy and happy at last."