Lydiah is an 18-year-old from Kenya. In February 2022, Lydiah's schooling and aspirations for becoming a doctor had to be put on hold when she began to experience excruciating pain in her right leg and hip. The pain progressed to the point where she could no longer bear weight on her leg, forcing her to leave school. When she was unable to find help in her province, Lydiah moved to live with her aunt in Nairobi. Despite visits to various dispensaries, and attempts to secure medical care, including painkillers, Lydiah's condition did not improve. She and her aunt tried visiting hospitals, but could not afford to pay for the necessary scans. In November 2023, Lydiah developed a swelling on her hip joint. Financial limitations prevented her from accessing care, leaving her in persistent agony. In June 2024, when her condition deteriorated further, Lydia was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Lydiah was diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the right thigh bone and was recommended to undergo sequestrectomy surgery. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. The recommended surgery will remove the bone that has died, as a result of the infection. Again, finances have been a challenge, and Lydiah has remained in pain. Currently, Lydiah suffers from a painful, swollen thigh with a draining sinus, intensified by the cold season. Compounding her challenges, Lydiah is the only child of her mother who has been grappling with mental health issues since her husband's passing in 2015. Her aunt is her only hope since she is the one who has been taking care of her since she fell ill. Lydiah’s aunt is a casual beauty laborer, who weaves hair extensions for women, and whose income is precarious. Lydiah’s aunt is also a single mother to three children. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to fund the $1,400 needed for Lydiah's surgery, scheduled for July 16th. They hope this intervention will not only alleviate her suffering, but also pave the way for her to pursue her dreams. Lydiah said: “I know that I am advanced in years, but I am willing to continue from Form 2, where I left off, and proceed to pursue my career as a doctor.”

Bukhari is a seven-month-old baby boy from Kenya, the youngest of three children. His father works as a casual laborer, mainly at construction sites, while his mother is a homemaker. Bukhari was born at home with a noticeable swelling on the lower part of his back. His parents initially hoped it would lessen over time, but as the weeks went by without any change, their concern grew. After a month, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was examined and then referred to a treatment facility in Nairobi. Determined to help their son, Bukhari’s parents returned home and began raising funds to cover their journey to the recommended facility. During this time, a family friend advised them to seek help at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). After tireless efforts, the family was able to gather enough funds to bring Bukhari to BKKH for a thorough examination. Bukhari was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine doesn't properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, he faces serious risks, including potential paralysis of his lower limbs, infection, and developmental challenges. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Bukhari receive treatment. On August 5th, surgeons at BKKH will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate complications associated with the condition, allowing healthy growth and development. Now, Bukhari’s family needs help to fund this $856 procedure. Bukhari’s father says, "From the moment he was born, we have been worried about his health. We are hopeful that he receives the treatment he needs and recovers quickly."

Sim is a 46-year-old food seller from Cambodia. She and her husband live in Takeo province with their four children. The two older children attend school five hours away in Phnom Penh, while the two younger ones attend school in their province. Her husband is a rice farmer and Sim sells the rice in the local market. Sim enjoys creating new recipes to sell alongside the rice at the market in her free time. One month ago, Sim slipped on a plastic cover and fell to the ground. Her husband took her to a local clinic where an x-ray revealed a dislocation in her right hip, but they were unable to afford the surgery. She is unable to sit and must either stand in pain or lie down. She cannot sell food at the market or cook for her family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 9th, Sim will undergo a fracture repair procedure for her dislocated hip. Sim will experience relief from her pain and be able to walk and sit again. Sim and her family are able to contribute $100 but need help to raise $383 more to fund the procedure. Sim shared: "I hope to be able to sell food again to support my family."