Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”

Manet is a happy pre-schooler from Cambodia. He is five years old and attends a local preschool in Phnom Penh, where he lives with his parents and older sister. His dad is in the army, and his mom stays at home to look after the kids and assist older relatives. Manet loves fried eggs with toast, painting, and riding his bike up and down the street. Around two years ago, Manet started experiencing a persistent sore throat, and difficulty swallowing and sleeping at night. Frequent illness already causes him to miss school. Manet was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Manet, which is scheduled to take place on February 1st. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Manet of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. His mom shared, "I hope he can feel healthy again. It is very hard for him to always be sick and we want him to attend school every day."

Rosario is a cleaning lady from the Philippines. She has three children who have their own families. Her partner works as a part-time employee in a government agency and their combined income is barely enough for their family's needs. During her days off, she would spend her time singing karaoke with her children. Three years ago, she felt something in her throat. She had difficulty breathing and was easily tired. She was diagnosed with Multiple Colloid Adenomatous Goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Rosario receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 24th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of her treatment and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Rosario's procedure and care. Rosario says, "I am extremely grateful for those who will help me get my surgery done. I am speechless. I went here with high hopes and God did not fail me. Thank you very much."