Novence is a 16-year-old girl from Kabale District, Uganda. She lives with her parents, who are small-scale farmers, and her five younger siblings, who attend primary school. Novence enjoys studying and has a vision and mission of becoming a nurse. About a year ago, Novence developed swelling around her umbilical region. Her parents took her to a health center, but the health center was unable to provide a diagnosis. At first, the swelling was small and painless, and Novence and her family continued to monitor the situation. But over time, the pain increased to the point where Novence could no longer help her parents in the fields. So far, she has been determined to continue her studies, but the condition is becoming more and more painful. Novence's family has also become increasingly worried, as they have never seen anyone with this condition. Recently, a friend of Novence's mother told her about our partner's medical care center, Rushoroza Hospital. The family travelled to the hospital, where Novence finally received a diagnosis of an umbilical hernia. Without surgery, she will continue to suffer, and the condition could get worse. Fortunately, on February 10th, Novence will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $170 to fund her surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently, and to attend school without pain. Novence's mother shares, "Truly, if it were not for my friend, then no one would have shown me the way to Rushoroza Hospital. I pray that we may have a chance to be helped, and I believe that my daughter will undergo a successful surgery."

Nancy is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. She has undergone multiple procedures across different specialties, including pediatric surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic care. Each surgery was a step toward healing, yet each also took a heavy toll on her young body and spirit. Anxiety and fear make the hospital visits deeply distressing for her. Meanwhile, her father, the sole provider for the family, lost his job following a motorbike accident and has been unable to return to work. The emotional toll on Nancy’s parents has been overwhelming. Her father's greatest wish is simple and heartfelt: he longs to see his daughter healed, free from frequent hospital visits, and able to live a normal childhood filled with play, laughter, and possibility. Following five previous procedures, Nancy now requires a colostomy reversal surgery in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. It is the next step in her journey toward healing and normalcy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Nancy. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 5th. Once completed, Nancy should be able to live more comfortably and confidently. Nancy’s father shared, "I never imagined my three-year-old would know so much pain. As a father, all I want is for Nancy to get well, stop coming back to the hospital so often, and live a normal, happy life."

Lucy is a seven-month-old baby from Bolivia. She lives with her mother and seven siblings. Her mother runs a small shop out of her home to sell snacks and other products, while her father works in agriculture. Lucy was born with a cleft lip and palate, and is scheduled to have surgery in the coming months. She also has a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus, which causes Lucy's blood to circulate poorly. She experiences a lot of weakness, and she's at risk of heart failure if the issue goes untreated. With three different heart conditions, her doctors plan to first address a hole that exists between two blood vessels next to her heart and then allow her heart to grow before treating her other two conditions. On April 14th, Lucy will undergo heart 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. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of her cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Lucy's mother shared, "I'm glad we are here at this hospital; we travelled from far so my little daughter can have her surgery."