Zubeir is a 20-month-old baby from Kenya. His father takes on occasional environmental cleaning jobs offered by the government, work that may come only once or twice a year. Seven months after Zubeir was born, his parents began to notice something that unsettled their hearts. Zubeir has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Zubeir has been experiencing his head growing larger than normal. They rushed him to a nearby medical facility in their desperation for answers. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Zubeir that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 12th and will drain the excess fluid from Zubeir's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Zubeir will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “Every day I see him, I see strength and possibility. I pray the surgery will help him shine even brighter,” Zubeir’s father shared.

Eyu is a calm and sociable eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is very talented in football and dreams of one day becoming a priest. He lives with his parents and his older brother in a rental house. His mother works as a teacher, while his father is currently unemployed. About six years ago, Eyu was unwell and when he was taken to hospital, he was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. His parents were advised that he needed surgery, but he needed to be a bit older. Recently, his parents once again took him to hospital and were placed on a waiting list for surgery. Shortly after, they received a referral call to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Eyu is receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on May 19th, and AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. If the condition is left untreated, Eyu has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Eyu's father says, "I thank God for the support we are getting for our son's surgery. I am also so happy to feel welcome at BKMCM. Please continue providing such high-quality care, you are truly the face of Christ in your service. Thank you, and God bless you all.”

Seang Hai is an 11-year-old monk from Cambodia. His father works as a construction worker, and his mother is a garment factory worker. He has an older brother, who is 17 years old, and a younger sister, who is 6 years old. Seang Hai is currently studying in Grade 4, where his favorite subject is mathematics. In his free time, he enjoys learning dharma. His favorite meal is fried pork, and he dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. When Seang Hai was around one year old, he was accidentally burned by hot water, which affected the 3rd and 4th fingers of his left hand and the 3rd finger of his right hand. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his fingers. As a result, he has difficulty grasping objects and experiences mild pain during hand movements, limiting his daily activities. When Seang Hai's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On April 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the contractures, improve movement and strength in his hands, reduce pain, and allow him to hold and use objects more easily in his daily life. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Seang Hai's mother shared, “I hope after the surgery, he will be able to use his hands freely again, without pain, and live a happier life.”