13-year-old Tracy's dream is to be an accountant. Her learning, however, has been marked by challenges beyond her control. She was born with hearing impairment and lived the initial years of her life unable to make out sounds. When she turned five, her mother got concerned and took her to the hospital for medical attention. The medical team recommended fitting of hearing aids, but unfortunately, Tracy's mother, who raises her on her own and earns a modest income working in a salon, could not afford the cost of the hearing aids. She turned to family, friends and well-wishers who helped raise enough funds, and at six years old, Tracy had hearing aids fitted. The treatment marked a turning point in her life. Tracy was able to return to school and, although she had fallen behind her peers, she began making remarkable progress. For the first time, Tracy could hear her mother calling her and respond appropriately. She could also hear her teachers instead of relying solely on lip-reading to follow lessons. More importantly, she gained the ability to interact, communicate and build friendships with other children, giving her a renewed sense of belonging and confidence. Over the years, doctors observed encouraging progress in her development and communication. In January this year, however, Tracy began experiencing complications with her hearing aids. They gradually stopped functioning properly and sometimes produced excessive noise, making it difficult for her to hear and communicate. This setback significantly affected her education, making her miss school and once again experience the isolation she had overcome. Earlier this month, her mother brought her back to AIC Kijabe Hospital for further assessment. Following an examination, the doctors established that her hearing aids had failed and that she urgently required a new pair. Unfortunately, her mother remains unable to meet the cost due to her limited financial resources. Presently, Tracy is struggling to keep up with her peers academically and socially. The loss of her hearing aids has once again placed barriers between her and the world she had begun to experience so fully. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tracy receive treatment. On October 30th, Tracy is scheduled to have new hearing aids fitted, so she could regain her ability to hear, learn, communicate and interact confidently with those around her. Now, Tracy's family needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. Tracy says: "Since my hearing aids stopped working, I have been unable to attend school, which has made me fall behind my peers."

Jade is a 17-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who used to work as a maid, her dad, who is a driver, and her older brother. Jade was born prematurely at 6 months 2 weeks, and spent four months in NICU; it was during this time that doctors informed her family that she would need heart surgery, but that they preferred to wait for her to grow. Jade has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Jade's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. On August 5th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Jade's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Jade's mother shared, "I just pray my little daughter will have a successful surgery so she can have a happy life."

German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.