Cyrus is an energetic young boy from Kenya. He completed his national exam last month. Cyrus is the 2nd born of a family of five children. The 1st born is 17 years, while the last born is in grade 2. His mom is a single parent, who is currently unemployed and working small jobs that she can get to make ends meet. She has been taking care of the five children by herself with no consistent source of income. He lives in single rental room which they pay $15 per month. His mother was referred to our medical partner's BethanyKids Hospital by a local doctor in a nearby facility to correct the condition. They came to BethanyKids and the doctor examined him, he has recommended surgery. This surgery will enable him to live a normal life like other children urinating properly. Cyrus was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and infertility. Fortunately, Cyrus is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 4th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $847 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Cyrus's mother says, “This condition will affect his self-esteem. He already feels low and sad because of the condition.”

Ritchina is a 7-month-old baby girl from Haiti. She lives with both of her loving parents and her older brother. Ritchina has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Ritchina has been experiencing increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Ritchina will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Ritchina at Hospital Bernard Mevs that will treat her hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on January 4th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Ritchina's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Ritchina will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Her parents are hopeful that surgery will allow their child to grow up healthy.

Gabriel is a shy 4-year-old boy from Kenya who needs surgery to heal his clubfeet condition. He lives with his family in a village in Kilifi County and is the third born child in a family of six children. His father, Kazungu, is a butcher and his mother a housewife. Seeing Gabriel was born his with a clubfoot condition, his father has taken on a very active role and responsibility for Gabriel's care. His father learnt of our medical partner's mobile care center in Mombasa and took his son in for review. Gabriel was diagnosed with having clubfoot of both feet, which makes the feet point downwards and inwards. He shared that Gabriel walked with a lot of discomfort and could not comfortably play with his friends or even wear shoes. Fortunately, Gabriel will receive the help that he needs at AIC Cure International Hospital. Here, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on March 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gabriel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will have improved mobility and self-esteem, leading to an enhanced quality of life. Additionally, reduced pain will allow him to walk comfortably and continue his studies uninterrupted as he grows. “I am looking forward to see my son going through surgery, healing well, walking like other children and doing well in school,” Gabriel’s father told us.