Vannaratt is a thoughtful 14-year-old from Cambodia. His parents are divorced, and he lives with his mother and younger brother. His mother supports the family as a factory worker. Vannaratt enjoys science and Khmer literature at school and likes to play with his brother at home. He dreams of being an engineer when he grows up. For a long time, Vannaratt has been experiencing difficulty swallowing and breathing. He also has trouble sleeping at night, which makes it challenging for him to stay awake in school. His mother bought him medicine from the local pharmacy, but unfortunately, it has not helped. Vannaratt was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help Vannaratt receive treatment. On December 12th, he will undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. During this procedure, the surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Vannaratt of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. CSC is requesting $265 to cover the cost of this surgery. Vannaratt's family gathered $75 to contribute to his care. Vannaratt's mother said: "I hope he will breathe easier after this operation and will be able to swallow better."

Meet Night, a jovial and playful five year old girl. Night lives with her parents and two younger siblings in a traditional home in Kenya. Her father works selling second hand clothing, while her mother stays home to take care of the children. Shortly after she was born, Night's parents realized that something seemed wrong. They brought Night to a health facility in Turkana County where they lived, and were referred on to BethanyKids Hospital. There she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which meant that fluid was collecting in her head. Surgery was performed, and a shunt was placed to continuously drain the fluid from Night's head. A year later, however, Night's head began to increase in size, and she developed weakness on the right side of her body. The doctors at the local health facility urged Night's parents to take her back to BethanyKids Hospital for additional treatment, but Night's parents didn't have enough money to do this. With the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, Night is now scheduled to undergo a craniotomy on January 5th at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, when surgeons will drain excess fluids from Night's brain. Night's father is providing as much of a co-pay as possible for this procedure, but the family needs your help to raise the remaining $1,500 required to cover all of the costs of Night's surgery and care. Night’s father said: “Night is not able to communicate well because of her condition. This surgery will help her to be able to speak.”

Luz is a sweet baby from Bolivia, where she lives with her parents and two older brothers in a small mountain village. Her parents work as farmers to support their family. Luz, in addition to being diagnosed with Down Syndrome, was born with a ventricular septal defect, a heart condition where a hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. As a result, blood leaks through the hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Fortunately, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance who is expanding their work in Bolivia, is helping Luz receive treatment. On January 19th, Luz will undergo surgery where doctors will sew a patch over the hole, allowing for blood to flow completely through her heart and reach her lungs, obtaining oxygen and, ultimately, allowing her to grow as a healthy baby girl. Luz's family needs help raising $1,500 to fund her procedure and care. From Luz's mother: "Our family is all praying that after the surgery our daughter will be stronger and healthier."