Sahili is a nine-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of four children and lives with both parents, who are farmers cultivating maize to provide food for their family. Sahili is an active and friendly baby whose bright, cheerful smile brings joy to those around him. Sahili has clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which both feet turn inward and downward. Without appropriate treatment, this condition can affect his ability to stand and walk comfortably as he grows. It may also make wearing ordinary shoes difficult. Sahili's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Sahili has been scheduled to begin treatment with gentle manipulation and serial casting to gradually improve the alignment of his feet. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 26th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Sahili's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Sahili has the opportunity to develop properly aligned feet, wear ordinary shoes, and learn to walk comfortably as he grows. Sahili's mother shared, "We are thankful that we have learned our son's condition can be treated. We hope he will grow up with straight feet, walk, and enjoy playing with his siblings."

Jade is a 17-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who used to work as a maid, her dad, who is a driver, and her older brother. Jade was born prematurely at 6 months 2 weeks, and spent four months in NICU; it was during this time that doctors informed her family that she would need heart surgery, but that they preferred to wait for her to grow. Jade has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Jade's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. On August 5th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Jade's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Jade's mother shared, "I just pray my little daughter will have a successful surgery so she can have a happy life."

Felix is a 30-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with one child, and enjoys playing soccer during his free time. Felix values an active life, but for the past seven months, persistent abdominal pain has made it difficult for him to enjoy the life he once knew. Early this year, Felix started experiencing a twisting pain, and burning sensation in his abdomen several times throughout the day. Seeking relief, he visited several clinics, but none provided a lasting solution. After an assessment at a district hospital, he was advised to seek specialized care at a facility that offers surgical services. Recently, Felix made the two-hour journey to Nkhoma Mission Hospital. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area, that occurs due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Felix was informed that he needed surgery, but the cost exceeded what he could afford. Having already spent a significant amount on seeking treatment and transportation, and with limited resources and a family depending on him, he is now seeking support to undergo the surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Felix receive treatment. On September 22nd, he is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery to recover from the painful symptoms, allowing him to return to work, care for his family and go back to his everyday life. Now, Felix needs help to fund this $421 procedure. He says, “I am hoping that after the surgery, I will be free from this pain and able to return to my farm. I want to work hard for my wife and child, provide for my family, and enjoy playing soccer with my friends again. I pray that with this treatment, I can regain my strength and continue building a better future for my family.”