Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.

Jovitah is a 24-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. When she was three years old, Jovitah and her sister lost their father, leaving them under the care of their mother. Their mother worked tirelessly to ensure they grew up cared for, but sadly, she also passed away in 2008. Jovitah and her sister then went to live with their grandmother. Though Jovitah's grandmother raised them as best as she could, she was unable to support them to reach their desired level of education due to financial constraints. After leaving school, Jovitah got married at the age of 17. Presently, she and her husband engage in farming, mainly growing beans, maize, and potatoes for home consumption, and selling the surplus to generate some income for the family. The couple have one child enrolled in Primary 1. Jovitah got pregnant a second time, but unfortunately she and her husband lost their baby a few days after the birth. Jovitah is currently expecting her third child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jovitah undergo a C-Section on February 5th. This procedure will cost $252, and Jovitah needs your support. Jovitah says, “With your support, I look forward to a successful delivery with results of a healthy baby, hoping to continue with farming to sustain my family after a full recovery.”

Mongkul is a cheerful 5-year-old kindergarten student from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and three siblings, who are all still young students. His father works in a factory, and his mother runs a small grocery business to support the family. He is the third child in the family. He enjoys learning English at school, loves playing with toy cars and balls, and dreams of becoming a police officer when he grows up. For the past three years, Mongkul has been experiencing difficulty breathing at night, loud snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing, and frequent throat infections. His condition disturbs his sleep and causes discomfort at night. The frequent throat infections and swallowing difficulties also affect his comfort and overall health. Mongkul 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 $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Mongkul, which is scheduled to take place on May 22nd. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Mongkul of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Mongkul's father said, “We are very thankful for this chance to help our son heal. We hope this surgery will help him breathe easily, sleep peacefully, and grow up healthy and happy like other children.”