Kidus is a cute and playful little boy. He loves playing with toys and football with other children. His favorite food is Shiro (Ethiopian staple food) and meat. He also loves watching cartoons and is good at observing and imitating some characters from cartoon shows. He is the only child in the family. His dad is a tailor, employed at a local tailor shop. His father uses the little income to provide food for their family and pay rent. Kidus was born with a congenital anomaly called bladder exstrophy and he underwent surgery at BethanyKids with Watsi's support in 2021 to heal this condition. He was also born with a congenital anomaly called epispadias and has an inguinal hernia. Now he is scheduled for epispadias and right inguinal hernia repair. Epispadias impacts his ability to urinate and puts him at risk of future complications. Kidus is now much more playful than beforeand his family can see how intelligent he is. His family also shared how very much better psychologically they feel after his first treatment. But they are still worried about his urinary condition. He is now scheduled for the two surgeries that will take place simultaneously, and his family needs financial support. Kidus' father said, “Kidus means the world to me. To see him completely well will bring me so much joy. I want him to have a great personality with a kind heart; just like the amazing people helping him recover and become healthy. I really hope that he becomes a doctor in the future and helps those who are in need.”

Nelson, who is 29 years old and unmarried, lives in Kenya and works as a casual laborer on construction sites. In October 2023, Nelson fell from a tree where he was working. His right leg was injured and he was taken to a hospital in Kiambu, where an X-ray showed he had a closed ankle joint fracture. He was admitted to the hospital and put in traction. The surgeon there told Nelson that he would need a procedure that requires surgical plates for implanting in his leg to stabilize the fracture. Nelson and his family could not afford this, thus Nelson has been trying to go about his life and his work, despite the fracture and the pain it causes him. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, can help. On March 20th, Nelson will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, at Nazareth Hospital. This procedure will mean that Nelson will no longer be in pain; he will heal well, and resume working. Now, African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. “I have almost given up since I cannot pay for treatment. I would greatly appreciate the help so that I may be well and resume my job. I also hope to have a family of my own soon.” Nelson said.

Gift is a 46-year-old married man with five children. His wife works in a hair salon while Gift is a farmer. Gift and his family live in Malawi in a rented house without water and electricity. Gift likes to go fishing in his free time. Last September, Gift noted a swelling in his right inguinal region that subsided when he was lying down. Gift was concerned and went to a doctor. Because it was difficult for him to talk about his condition with the doctor, he simply mentioned that he was experiencing abdominal pains and was provided with pain killers. Gift took the medicine he had been given, but returned to the doctor when his condition didn't improve. After being assessed, Gift was given a diagnosis of a right inguinal hernia and he was informed that he would need surgery. The frequency of episodes of swelling has increased and his ability to work and earn an income has been negatively affected. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the cost of Gift's treatment. On May 3rd, Gift will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Hospital. After he has recovered, Gift should be able to return to work and go fishing again. Gift believes the operation will improve his condition and enable him to continue caring for his family. Gift said: “It’s like I am dreaming. I can’t wait to get better and be a responsible father."