Nabulu is a one-month-old baby girl. She is the last born child in a family of six children, and lives with both of her parents. Her father is a pastoralist and the sole provider for the family. Nabulu has clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Her parents were referred to Kafika House for specialized review and care after she was born at a nearby facility. Nabulu is scheduled to begin treatment on September 25th with a series of gentle casting and manipulation to gradually improve the alignment of her feet. Once her feet have reached the appropriate position, she will undergo a tenotomy procedure to further correct the condition. She will then be fitted with a foot abduction brace (FAB), which she will wear until the age of five to help prevent the clubfoot from recurring. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Nabulu's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Nabulu has the opportunity to wear regular shoes as she grows up, and walk comfortably as she reaches important developmental milestones. Receiving treatment gives her family hope that her condition can be corrected early, before it starts limiting her mobility. “We are grateful that we were directed to Kafika House after Nabulu was born. We hope that through this treatment, she will grow up walking comfortably and wearing regular shoes like other children,” says Nabulu's mother.

Bekelu is 40 years old and a farmer from Ethiopia. Her husband is also a farmer, and they work hard to support their six children. One year ago, Bekelu started to experience bleeding and severe abdominal bloating. Her illness has affected every part of her life. She once worked side by side with her husband on their farm, but she can no longer do the heavy work. She also finds it challenging to cook, clean, and look after her six children the way she used to. She was a strong, independent mother, and now she depends on others for help. Her whole family lives with stress and worry about her health and their future. Bekelu was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, painful growths in her uterus. She needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. She is scheduled to undergo surgery on October 5th, and our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $1,050 to fund her surgery. Bekelu shared, "I want to be strong again, work on our farm with my husband, and take care of my children. I don't want my family to worry about me anymore."

Kemert is a three-year-old girl who lives in Ethiopia with her parents and brother. Her father works as a teacher, and her mother is a homemaker. Shortly after Kemert was born, she began experiencing recurrent tonsillitis. During these episodes, her throat becomes swollen and painful, she develops a fever, and she struggles to breathe, eat, and sleep. These periods of illness are emotionally difficult for Kemert and her family, who say the hardest part is watching her fight to breathe. Although tonsillitis can sometimes resolve on its own, doctors are recommending surgery because Kemert’s condition is severe and keeps returning. Currently, Kemert is experiencing symptoms and has been for about three months. Without treatment, her symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kemert, which is scheduled to take place on May 10th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Kemert of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Kemert’s family hopes for a future where she can feel peaceful during the day and sleep quietly through the night. Instead of being easily annoyed, tired all the time, and feeling sick, they want her to feel healthy and rested.