Riyaq is an 18-month-old baby from Kenya. She is the last born in a family of four children. Her mother is a housewife while her father sells water to the community. Riyaq has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Riyaq has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Her family was referred to Bethany Kids where an examination was done and surgery recommended. Without treatment, Riyaq will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Riyaq that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 8th and will drain the excess fluid from Riyaq's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Riyaq will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Riyaq’s aunt says, “We have never seen such a condition. We did not know what to do and have given up but coming here has changed us, and we hope that all will be well in the end.”

Bonny is a 45-year-old woman that lives in Uganda with her husband and five children. Her children are all in school, and her husband runs a small farm. The family of seven currently lives in a two-bedroom house as they are trying to save money for a larger, permanent home. For two years, Bonny has been experiencing extreme pain and fatigue. She has been diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus resulting in painful bleeding. Her symptoms have prevented her from working on the family farm, despite this being their sole source of income. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy - a procedure in which her doctors will remove her uterus. Fortunately, on January 19th, she will undergo surgery at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Once recovered, Bonny will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Bonny is requesting $219 to fund this procedure. Bonny says, “I have had bad moments living with this condition, but I request you to consider me to have my health restored so that I can live a better life through farming.”

Oudam is a 35-year-old father of three from Cambodia. He is from Kampong Cham province, where he works as a construction worker alongside his wife. Together they have three sons, all young students. He enjoys spending time playing sports with his kids and checking news and updates from friends on Facebook. Around fourteen years ago, Oudam had an ear infection that caused abnormal skin growth to develop in his ear. For this reason, Oudam experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. It is difficult for him to hear and communicate with colleagues and his family. Oudam traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 8th, he will undergo a procedure in his left ear to remove the abnormal skin growth. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $926 to fund this procedure and covers Oudam's medications, supplies, and inpatient care. He hopes that he can feel healthy and improve his hearing with surgery.