Ebenezer is a seven-month-old baby boy from Burundi. As his mother shared the journey that brought them to the hospital, little Ebenezer slept peacefully on her back, calm and unaware of everything happening around him. Ebenezer is the firstborn child in his family. According to his mother, the first days and weeks of motherhood have been far from what she had hoped. She has spent nights awake beside him, facing hospital stays, uncertainty, and the constant fear that his condition could become more serious. She and Ebenezer's father have remained hopeful despite their son's health challenges. The couple work as small-scale farmers to support their family. Soon after his birth, Ebenezer began to experience troubling symptoms, including an inability to pass stool, and his abdomen began to swell. His mother became deeply worried. She took him to a hospital where he was admitted and received treatment, but despite the efforts of the medical team, his condition did not improve. Eventually, the family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Kibuye Hope Hospital, for specialized care. Ebenezer has been diagnosed with Hirschpung disease, a congenital condition where a baby is born missing specific nerve cells in parts of the large intestine, leading to severe bowel blockages. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $467 to fund Ebenezer's surgery. On September 22nd, he will undergo a laparotomy procedure at Kibuye Hope Hospital, allowing him a healthier life. Ebenezer’s mother shared, "Thank you to everyone who has supported us. We could never afford this treatment on our own, and our child needs care before his condition becomes more serious. May God bless everyone helping us and give us the chance to smile again with a healthy child."

Saroeun is a 67-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She is married and has one son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who is a rice farmer, and her youngest daughter, who is a teacher. Saroeun likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About four years ago, Saroeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Saroeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On October 19th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Saroeun shared, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see more easily so I can go back to planting. I don’t want to worry about my eye anymore."

Much is required of Sittie's mother, who works, raises her children, and carefully tries to manage her daughter's complicated health condition. Born with Hirschsprung's Disease, Sittie's condition prevents normal muscle contractions in the large intestine, causing her to experience complete or partial intestinal blockages. Uncomfortable and difficult to manage, the condition also carries the risk of life-threatening Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis (HAEC), malnutrition, and other complications. The condition is especially dangerous, given the family's lack of reliable income and accessible healthcare. But with the help of our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Sittie is scheduled to undergo surgery on October 22nd at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Government insurance will cover a portion of the treatment cost, and WSFP is requesting an additional $1,123 to help fund Sittie's care and recovery. After treatment, Sittie will no longer experience the challenges of Hirschsprung's Disease, allowing her and her family to spend more time together and less time managing a chronic health condition. You can help with 100% of your contribution going to Sittie's treatment. Choose a donation amount, or fully fund her treatment.