Dennis is an 18-year-old boy from Kenya. He is being raised by his single mother, who is a casual laborer who relies on seasonal farm work and domestic jobs to provide for Dennis and his three siblings. From infancy, Dennis was a frail child who was frequently ill and required constant care. He experienced significant developmental delays, taking his first steps when he was nearly three years old. While his physical milestones came late, it was his lack of speech that concerned his mother the most. She longed to hear him speak, but Dennis remained unusually quiet. She would talk to him, and he would simply look back at her without responding. Instead of using words, he learned to communicate by lifting or pointing to objects whenever he needed something, a pattern that has continued throughout his life. When Dennis was three years old, he was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where fluid was drained from his ears. Unfortunately, this did not improve his condition. As he grew older, his mother enrolled him in school, but he consistently lagged behind his peers. Over the years, he adapted by relying on lip reading and sign language to communicate. Because of his hearing loss, he depends on watching his teachers' lips closely to follow lessons and understand what is being taught. Despite these challenges, Dennis performed well during his primary school years. However, the transition to secondary school has been much more difficult, as the academic demands have increased. On July 7th, Dennis will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help raising $1,171. The gift of hearing aids would significantly improve Dennis' ability to communicate, participate in class, and reach his full potential. His mother is appealing for support to make this life-changing intervention possible, giving Dennis the opportunity for a brighter and more independent future. "Sometimes when I read aloud in class or say certain words, the other children laugh at me. I want to hear better so I can read and speak with confidence," Dennis said quietly.

Tamiru is a 67-year-old farmer and father of seven from Ethiopia. After a lifetime of working the land to provide for his five sons and two daughters, he has become the resilient heart of a bustling household. Tamiru loves his work, but in recent years, medical issues have begun to get in the way. About five years ago, Tamiru noticed some swelling in his right elbow. The mass has grown over time, becoming increasingly painful and restrictive. It prevents him from grasping objects properly and severely limits the natural movement of his hand. Tamiru also feels a sharp tightness and deep discomfort every time he reaches, lifts, or swings a tool—movements that are essential for tilling the soil and harvesting his crops. For Tamiru, this struggle has been deeply frustrating. For him, his hands aren't just tools; they represent his livelihood, his independence, and the legacy he hopes to pass on to his children. Thankfully, Tamiru traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 14th, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Tamiru needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure. Tamiru shared, "I'm excited to get back to my full strength so I can lead my family with the same energy I’ve had for decades. I can't wait to work my fields again without that tight pressure in my arm. I want the freedom to do the heavy work I love without holding back."

Oeur is a 64-year-old woman from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. In the past, she worked as a farmer and planted rice. She has three sons, one sister, and twelve grandchildren. Oeur lives with her husband, who works as a laborer harvesting potatoes, and her daughter, who farms potatoes and rice. Her favorite hobbies are going to the pagoda and participating in religious ceremonies. About six months, Oeur developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Oeur learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Oeur said, "I hope that after my surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can see more clearly, go out more easily, and recognize my relatives and friends without difficulty."