Grace is a shy young girl from Kenya. Because her father has mental health challenges, Grace’s mom is the sole breadwinner, working any job available to support her family. She often tries to look for animal farm feed for their neighbors cattle to provide for them. A few weeks ago, Grace was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. This condition causes her to experience weakness and pain, thus preventing her from doing daily activities. Fortunately, on July 22th, she will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMH), is requesting $444 to fund Grace's surgery. Grace’s mother says, “Despite the fact that we are financially needy, I’m hopeful that Grace will receive the required treatment.”

Channa is a 34-year-old construction worker who, together with his wife, has one son and two daughters. His first daughter is now is school, while the other two are still pre-school aged. He likes to take his daughter to school and play with his kids outside, but recently his condition has worsened and he has not been able to work or do these things. Since birth, Channa has had amniotic band syndrome in his foot. This is a condition that occurs during fetal development, when a section of the amniotic sac wraps around parts of the body, causing constriction. For Channa, this condition has caused a malformed foot, similar to clubfoot. He never received any medical attention for this condition and occasionally experiences pain and swelling. Recently, the pain and swelling has increased to the point that he can no longer walk or work. Channa visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where doctors will perform a contracture release procedure to allow his foot to heal. Once he has recovered, he will no longer experience pain or swelling and he will be able to walk more easily than before. The procedure is scheduled for May 14th, and now Channa needs help to fund this $454 procedure. Channa shared, "when I am better, I will return to work and work hard to support my family. I am excited to see my two youngest go to school, and I want to be able to walk them there."

Gideon, who was born with intellectual disabilities, lives in and attends a special school in Eldoret town. Gideon likes being in school and he likes drawing during his free time. His parents live in the village and it’s been a long time since Gideon has seen them, so he is looking forward to seeing them when he gets treated. Gideon came to the hospital after having a swelling in a sensitive area for more than two years. He reports that it was gradual on the onset but worsened with time. Gideon was brought to the hospital by one of his relatives after they were told of Gideon's condition. Before they came to Kapsowar Hospital, they had tried many other hospitals, but every time they were asked to pay huge amounts of money for treatment, which they cannot afford. Gideon has an appointment for a hydrocelectomy surgery to repair the double hernia bulges. He has been experiencing severe discomfort in the affected area and a mild headache, and feels ashamed walking around due to the swelling. Currently, Gideon is under the care and support of the Samaritans, but they don’t have money to pay for his surgery, only for room and board. They are asking anyone reading this story to support Gideon so he can undergo a successful surgery for recovery. Gideon is a happy young man who looks forward to seeing his parents soon. His uncle says, “I will be happy to see him without the swelling. He deserves to live a happy and healthy life like others.”