Makbel is a 16-month-old baby boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing with cars and spending time with his older brother and sister. His mother works in the human resources department of a government organization, while his father is an electrician. Makbel was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Makbel was taken to a medical centre and referred to a higher-level hospital for further evaluation. The attending doctor recommended an ultrasound and surgical correction. However, the family was informed that there was a waiting list for surgery. Due to financial constraints, they could not afford private treatment. Eventually, Makbel was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), for further management. Upon arrival, his mother expressed relief and gratitude for the support and access to care. Makbel was warmly received at BKMCM, where the medical team conducted a thorough evaluation. Fortunately, Makbel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 30th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Makbel’s mother said, "Thank you to BethanyKids for giving my child this chance and opportunity for surgery. We are truly grateful for your support and kindness. BethanyKids has a great vision of helping children in need. May God bless all of you and every member of the staff. Thank you so much."

Van is a 72-year-old Tuk-Tuk tricycle driver from Cambodia. He is married and has a son, five daughters, and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife and his first daughter, who works in a grocery store. Van likes to listen to the latest news on his phone. About one year ago, Van developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Van learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 19th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Van said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go back to driving. I want to go to far places without worrying about my eyes. I feel happy when I can support my family."

Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.