Gabriel is a shy 4-year-old boy from Kenya who needs surgery to heal his clubfeet condition. He lives with his family in a village in Kilifi County and is the third born child in a family of six children. His father, Kazungu, is a butcher and his mother a housewife. Seeing Gabriel was born his with a clubfoot condition, his father has taken on a very active role and responsibility for Gabriel's care. His father learnt of our medical partner's mobile care center in Mombasa and took his son in for review. Gabriel was diagnosed with having clubfoot of both feet, which makes the feet point downwards and inwards. He shared that Gabriel walked with a lot of discomfort and could not comfortably play with his friends or even wear shoes. Fortunately, Gabriel will receive the help that he needs at AIC Cure International Hospital. Here, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on March 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gabriel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will have improved mobility and self-esteem, leading to an enhanced quality of life. Additionally, reduced pain will allow him to walk comfortably and continue his studies uninterrupted as he grows. “I am looking forward to see my son going through surgery, healing well, walking like other children and doing well in school,” Gabriel’s father told us.

Elicy is a 40-year-old married mother of four children aged between two and twenty years. She used to work part-time, doing laundry in people’s homes but due to her illness, she is unable to continue working. Her husband is a casual worker. They live in a rented house that costs about $4.75 per month. Elicy loves spending time with her husband and enjoying local meals. In 2019, Elicy observed swelling near her belly button region that was causing discomfort during her daily tasks. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition where tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge near the navel. Surgery was recommended, but she had to return home and wait for the opportunity to undergo treatment. By the end of 2023, the swelling and pains had worsened, and her physical laundry work was exacerbating the symptoms. At the hospital, she was recommended rest and advised to avoid strenuous activities while awaiting surgery, which significantly impacted her earnings. Earlier this month, she decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where the diagnosis of umbilical hernia was confirmed, requiring surgical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Elicy receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery providing her the opportunity for a healthier, pain-free life. Now, Elicy needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Elicy says, “I can’t wait to be well again, my husband needs my support to provide for the family.”

Kanha is an 8-year-old third grader. She lives in Kampong Speu province with her older brother and grandparents. Her mom works in a handbag factory a couple of hours away, and can spend time with her children on weekends. Her grandparents work as rice farmers, and have some extra income from their daughter's factory job. In her free time, Kanha likes reading and art. She hopes to do well in school so she can work at a bank or private company one day. When she was one year old, Kanha dropped some bread into an open cooking fire. Unfortunately, her right fingers were badly burned when she tried to retrieve the bread. She was treated at a local hospital to manage the burns and prevent infection. Since that time, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around her fingers. When Kanha's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On December 5th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her to use her hand easily again. Now, her family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Kanha said: "I want to be able to hold my pens at school and use my hand better."