Rafael is an adorable ten-month-old boy who lives with his parents and four older siblings in Ethiopia. As the youngest child, Rafael brings immense joy to his family, and his birth filled their home with happiness. He loves playing with his siblings and watching other children play football. Rafael's mother is a dedicated housewife, while his father is a truck driver and the family's sole provider. Shortly after birth, Rafael's mother noticed something different about Rafael's body. She brought him to a health center, where he was referred to a larger hospital. There, Rafael was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Rafael has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Unfortunately, there is a significant wait for surgery, and Rafael's family left the hospital without a surgery date. Months later, they received a call that Rafael could be seen at our partner's medical care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 9th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Rafael's mother shared, "May God bless each of you. Your support for our child will be rewarded, as God watches over those who lend a helping hand. Thank you all very much."

Gevan is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with both parents and his sibling. His parents depend on hourly wages working at a factory. Gevan was brought to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, by his parents. He had burn scar contractures affecting the left hand, specifically the index and middle fingers. The injury has reduced the range of motion in his fingers, making it difficult for him to grip toys and use his hand normally during play and feeding. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Gevan receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to improve mobility. He is a cheerful and cooperative child, and his parents are hopeful that with timely treatment, he will grow up with full use of his hand and independence in daily activities. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Gevan's mother says, “His fingers cannot bend properly, so he struggles to pick up and hold small objects.”

On is 76 years old and a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province, Cambodia. Her husband passed away 10 years ago. She has six sons, two daughters, and 20 grandchildren. Currently, she lives with her third daughter, who is a farmer. In her daily life, she enjoys listening to monks’ spiritual teachings, which is her favorite activity. About one year ago, On developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When On learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure. On shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyesight will improve so I can see clearly, recognize others easily, travel to distant places to join religious activities, take care of my grandchildren, and carry out my housework more comfortably."