Seven-year-old Debi is a student living in Ethiopia, with his parents and younger sister. Debi's childhood should be full of play and learning, but it has unfortunately been shaped by illness instead. For more than four years, Debi has lived with epilepsy, for which he takes medicine on a daily basis to control his seizures. Over the past year, a second problem has made life even more difficult. His tonsils repeatedly became badly infected, and at one point, his condition grew so severe, that he had to leave his KG 2 class. His education has been on hold ever since. His swollen tonsils keep him in constant discomfort. He has high fevers that return again and again, and he struggles to swallow his food, snores heavily, and is unable to sleep through the night. When the infection flares up, his parents have to rush him to the hospital, and he often stays there for days. The family is also under great strain for other reasons. Last year, Debi's father, a civil servant, was badly hurt in a car accident, and has only recently returned to work after a prolonged absence. His mother finished her studies last year, but has not been able to find a job. For Debi's parents, the cost of caring for him is overwhelming. Each flare-up brings another emergency trip to the hospital, and his seizure medicine is a cost they must meet every month. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Debi, which is scheduled to take place on October 17th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Debi of his symptoms, and helping him to live more comfortably. "We wish to see him strong again, sleeping through the night, and back at school with his friends. That would bring our family so much relief," said Debi's parents.

Aye Aye is a 36-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her family moved to the camp in 2024 due to the conflict in her village in Karen State, Burma. She and her husband are teachers at the same school, earning a modest monthly income. The family’s combined income is enough to cover their daily expenses, and they receive basic health care at the hospital in the camp for free, but they cannot afford expensive treatment costs for advanced procedures. Aye Aye also periodically supports her mother, who remains in Burma, with financial assistance. During her free time, she loves to listen to gospel music while planning her teaching lessons, and enjoys going to church on Saturdays. Aye Aye is currently expecting her first child, and her baby is in a breech position. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child during delivery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, has scheduled Aye Aye for a C-Section on August 13th at their care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. The procedure will cost $1500. Aye Aye said, “When I heard that I need to give birth through a C-section, I became so worried, and my husband is running around to ask for help as we both cannot afford this high cost. However, when the medic later informed us that there is an organization and they will find donors to help us with the delivery cost, we both felt so happy that we don't know how to explain how we feel. Thank you for helping me as a refugee. We can’t imagine how life would go without your support. Thank you very much, and I pray that you will be blessed, wealthy, and healthy in your life for your kind support.”

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.”