Rachany is an only child and lives with her mother who supports them by working in a garment factory. Rachany enjoys school and playing with her friends; her favorite subject is math; and she would like to be a police officer. Rachany's favorite meal is "lok lak", a famous Cambodian dish with stir-fried beef, fried egg, rice, and black pepper sauce. On January 21st, Rachany was cutting a mango at home when she accidentally cut her left index finger. She did not seek treatment at the time, but now, several weeks later, she is concerned that she cannot flex her index finger. Rachany has damaged the tendon and needs surgery to restore mobility in her finger. She traveled 40 minutes to visit our medical partner Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) to receive treatment. On February 20th, she will undergo tendon repair surgery to restore full function to her finger. Rachany's family has contributed $100, and CSC is requesting an additional $572 to fully fund this procedure. Rachany shared that she hopes she can fix her finger and go back to school after the operation.

Farhio is a 47-year-old mother and widow from Somalia. She lost her husband two years ago. She is now the sole breadwinner to her family of four children, aged between 8 and 16. Farhio works as a street vendor selling tea by the roadside. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and underwent chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation. She thought that the cancer had subsided, but, unfortunately, it returned. She went to a hospital in her home country of Somalia where doctors recommended she undergo surgery. She preferred to come to Kijabe Hospital after relatives who live in Nairobi referred her there. Farhio has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been suggested to rid her body of breast cancer and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,110 to cover the cost of a mastectomy for Farhio. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 3rd. After treatment, Farhio will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. Farhio says, “I thought this disease had gone. Sadly, it came back. I need to treat it before it spreads.”

Jardel is a preschool student and an only child. His father sadly passed on early last year. Jardel is under the care of his mother who does not have a source of income. Jardel and his mother live at their elderly grandmother’s home. The family does not have the financial capability to cover medical bills and relies on relatives for support. For over two years, Jardel has been experiencing nasal blockage, pain and difficulty swallowing. Jardel is unable to eat well and his mother reports that he also struggles to sleep. Jardel was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which are the soft tissue behind the nasal cavity. Without treatment, this condition will cause Jardel's symptoms to persist and possibly even intensify. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $818 to fund an adenotonsillectomy for Jardel, which is scheduled to take place on January 12th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, relieving Jardel of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Jardel's mother shared, “Jardel sleeps with a lot of difficulties. He snores a lot and struggles to breathe. He also has difficulties in eating, particularly solid foods.”