Sintanan is a three-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Ethiopia. His mother spends long days working in the flower industry. All day, she is surrounded by beauty, but also harsh pesticides, which take a toll on her body, that she needs regular medical checkups just to stay healthy. Sintanan's father works with his hands, doing heavy lifting work wherever he can find it. Despite the struggle, their love for their son keeps them moving. One year ago, Sintanan began experiencing difficulty in breathing, snoring, sleep disturbance and fevers. He is often very sick, which creates a problem for his family because his parents are day laborers, and a day spent nursing Sintanan is a day they don't get paid. When he is sick, they stay awake all night, watching him closely, because they are so afraid something bad will happen while they sleep. Sintanan has been diagnosed with enlarged tonsils. He requires surgery treatment, but his parents are unable to pay for it. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sintanan, which is scheduled to take place on February 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sintanan of his symptoms, and helping him to live more comfortably. "We long to see our son sleep through the night, and eat without pain. It would be our greatest joy to know that infections are no longer affecting his development," said Sintanan's parents.

Zubeir is a 20-month-old baby from Kenya. His father takes on occasional environmental cleaning jobs offered by the government, work that may come only once or twice a year. Seven months after Zubeir was born, his parents began to notice something that unsettled their hearts. Zubeir has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Zubeir has been experiencing his head growing larger than normal. They rushed him to a nearby medical facility in their desperation for answers. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Zubeir that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 12th and will drain the excess fluid from Zubeir's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Zubeir will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “Every day I see him, I see strength and possibility. I pray the surgery will help him shine even brighter,” Zubeir’s father shared.

Rathana is a 34-year-old tuk-tuk tricycle driver from Prey Veng, Cambodia. He is divorced and has three children. In his free time, he likes to play volleyball. About two months ago, the retina of Rathana's left eye detached, causing him partial blindness and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Rathana learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 3rd, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $706 procedure. Rathana said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can go back to driving my Tuk Tuk, and I feel happy I don’t worry about my eye anymore."