Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Abubeker is a 10-year-old student from Ethiopia. He is the 3rd grade, and is the oldest of three brothers. His father father works as a retailer, while his mother is a home maker. Since he was about four years old, Abubeker has been experiencing chronic tonsil problems. The condition has caused heavy snoring and severe sleep challenges that impact his rest at night. Abubeker has also missed school frequently due to sickness, which is hurting his school work and focus in class. Abubeker was reviewed at Saglan Wajee General Hospital, and was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Abubeker's family is seeking to raise $700 to fund a tonsillectomy, which is scheduled to take place on September 20th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Abubeker of his symptoms, and helping him live more comfortably. His mother says, "Carrying the weight of a child's ill health and sleepless nights is heavy, yet our one hope is to watch him heal and see his joyful spirit return."

Sivchov is an 11-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Siem Reap Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is in the seventh grade and is the third child of four siblings. His older brother works as a construction worker, his sister is in Grade 9, and his youngest brother is in Grade 2. He enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. His favorite subject is mathematics, and he hopes to become a teacher when he grows up. Sivchov was born with a left arm weakness caused by a difficult delivery, which damaged the nerves controlling the movement of his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. The injury causes weakness and limited movement of his left arm. He has difficulty lifting and controlling his arm, using his hand, extending his fingers, writing, carrying objects, and performing daily activities independently. Sivchov traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On July 20th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery, which will improve the movement and function of his left arm. It will help him use his arm more effectively for daily activities, improve his ability to hold objects, and allow him to become more independent. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $737 to fund this procedure. Sivchov's mother said, “I hope this surgery will give my son a better chance to use his left arm. I want him to study, play, and grow up with confidence like other children.”