Birhanu is 75 years old and a retired soldier from Ethiopia. His wife makes handicrafts to bring in extra money. Together, they work hard to support their four children—three sons and one daughter. For more than two years, however, a growing cloud in his left eye—known as a cataract—has turned his life upside down. Birhanu's vision has become blurry and weak, making it dangerous for him to walk outside, especially after dark. Simple chores around the house have also become exhausting challenges, taking away the independence and quiet daily routines he has relied on for decades. Fortunately, Birhanu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Birhanu shared, "I hope to walk safely at night, go back to doing odd jobs to help my family, handle chores on my own, and get my confidence and active life back in the community."

Mekdes is a young mother from Ethiopia. At just 22, this single mother is the heart and soul of her small family, working hard to build a life for herself and her four-year-old child. She runs a small street-side stall selling fried chips, and this humble business is their only source of income. Mekdes has been fighting chronic tonsillitis for four years. Because her business is outdoors and requires her to be on her feet all day, these frequent, painful throat infections make it incredibly difficult for her to work. When she is too sick to stand at her stall, she loses the income they desperately need, creating a constant and exhausting cycle of physical pain and financial worry. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mekdes, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mekdes of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mekdes said, "My deepest hope is to finally achieve lasting health and financial security, so I can work consistently without the constant fear that a sudden, painful illness will take away my ability to provide for my child."

Albertina is a two-week-old girl from Tanzania, and the youngest child in her family of nine children. Her mother maintains their home and cares for the children, while her father works as a fisherman to provide for the family. Albertina was born with clubfoot on her left foot, a congenital condition in which the foot is turned inward. Without appropriate treatment, this condition can affect her ability to wear shoes and walk comfortably as she grows. Soon after her birth, Albertina's family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, for assessment and treatment. The referral gave the family hope that their newborn daughter could receive the specialized care she needed. Albertina is scheduled for treatment, and will be fitted with a foot abduction brace (FAB), which she will wear as part of her treatment plan until the age of five to help prevent her clubfoot from recurring. The treatment will begin on October 20th, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341. After treatment, Albertina will have the opportunity for better mobility, and enjoying her childhood milestones. “We are grateful that our daughter has a chance to receive treatment, and grow up like other children,” said Albertina's mother.