Five-year-old Eban is from Ethiopia, raised in a loving home by her father, a small-scale broker, and her mother, who manages the household and cares for her and her brother. When she was only one, a mirror fell and cut her left pinky finger. Although she was treated at the time, the finger has since tightened and pulled inward into a curve, causing her parents deep worry. Eban now struggles to grab things, do other activity with her fingers, or play like other children. Sometimes she feels shy because other children her age stare at her finger, which hurts her confidence. In addition to this physical injury, she faces developmental delays that have kept her non-verbal and unable to start school with other children her age. When Eban's family learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, they went there to seek treatment. On May 14th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery, which will make it much easier for her to use her hand. She will finally have the freedom to play with her toys, focus on her learning, and do everyday things all by herself. Now, Eban's family needs help to fund this $500 procedure. Her parents say: "We look forward to the day that Eban can straighten her finger."

Fritz is a 30-year-old man from the Philippines. He is the only member of his family with a stable job, and his income covers their house rent and daily expenses. Once an avid basketball player, Fritz has had to give up the sport because of his condition and now spends his free time watching videos on his phone instead. Access to surgery would help him return to work without pain, support his family, and regain the active life he once enjoyed. For six years, Fritz has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His hernia has become increasingly painful, making it difficult to perform the physical demands of his work, raising fears that he could lose his livelihood if his condition remains untreated. Fortunately, our medical partner can help Frtiz receive the care he needs. On July 24th, Fritz will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Fritz's treatment. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Fritz said, "I hope this surgery will allow me to work without pain again and continue providing for my family. I also look forward to playing basketball again once I have fully recovered."

Dennis is an 18-year-old boy from Kenya. He is being raised by his single mother, who is a casual laborer who relies on seasonal farm work and domestic jobs to provide for Dennis and his three siblings. From infancy, Dennis was a frail child who was frequently ill and required constant care. He experienced significant developmental delays, taking his first steps when he was nearly three years old. While his physical milestones came late, it was his lack of speech that concerned his mother the most. She longed to hear him speak, but Dennis remained unusually quiet. She would talk to him, and he would simply look back at her without responding. Instead of using words, he learned to communicate by lifting or pointing to objects whenever he needed something, a pattern that has continued throughout his life. When Dennis was three years old, he was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where fluid was drained from his ears. Unfortunately, this did not improve his condition. As he grew older, his mother enrolled him in school, but he consistently lagged behind his peers. Over the years, he adapted by relying on lip reading and sign language to communicate. Because of his hearing loss, he depends on watching his teachers' lips closely to follow lessons and understand what is being taught. Despite these challenges, Dennis performed well during his primary school years. However, the transition to secondary school has been much more difficult, as the academic demands have increased. On July 7th, Dennis will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help raising $1,171. The gift of hearing aids would significantly improve Dennis' ability to communicate, participate in class, and reach his full potential. His mother is appealing for support to make this life-changing intervention possible, giving Dennis the opportunity for a brighter and more independent future. "Sometimes when I read aloud in class or say certain words, the other children laugh at me. I want to hear better so I can read and speak with confidence," Dennis said quietly.