Tamirat is a cheerful four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives with his parents, his older brother, and his older sister in a rented house. He loves playing football with his brother and sister. He also enjoys watching movies and cartoons, and one of his favorite activities is praying. His name, Tamirat, means "miracle." His grandmother chose the name because his mother became seriously ill during her pregnancy as a result of heavy physical work. After Tamirat was born, his mother recovered, and the family considered his birth a miracle from God. One day, Tamirat's uncle was helping him get dressed when he noticed that one of his testicles was not in it's place. Concerned, he advised Tamirat's mother to have him examined. At the health center, a doctor examined Tamirat and he also underwent an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Tamirat would have an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Tamirat and his mother were referred to a higher-level hospital for further evaluation and treatment, where he was placed on a surgery wait list. Three months later, they were referred to our medical partner's care center, Bethany Kids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). While Tamirat's mother was relieved that this meant her son would receive treatment soon, it also got her anxious as she knew her family could not afford the cost of surgery. She manually cleans other people's clothes to earn an income, while Tamira's father works as a daily laborer. Despite their hard work, they struggle to provide for their family. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tamirat receive treatment. On July 20th, he will undergo corrective surgery to treat his condition, and reduce medical risks in the future. Now, Tamirat's family needs help to fund this $754 procedure. Tamirat's mother shared, "I am so happy to have come here to BethanyKids. The welcome we received was wonderful, and all the staff were kind and respectful. Thank you so much. May God bless every one of you. May He continue to bless the work of your hands and reward you for the kindness you show to children like my son."

Vanny is a 62-year-old woman from Cambodia. She doesn't have any children and is a widow; her husband passed away about 20 years ago from meningitis. She previously sold Khmer desserts on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Now, Vanny enjoys going to the pagoda in her free time. About two years ago, due to her age, Vanny developed a cataract in her right eye. This has been causing her sensitivity to light, 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. Vanny is worried about falling when walking, and she is not able to go places on her own. When Vanny learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour to seek treatment. Fortunately, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye on March 9th. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, our medical partner is requesting $263 to help fund Vanny's procedure. Vanny said, "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve so I can return to making and selling Khmer desserts, travel to farther places, and recognize my relatives more clearly."

Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."