Kennedy is a teenager from Kenya. He has an older sibling who lives with his parents, and Kennedy lives with his grandparents and some of his cousins. Kennedy's father was a security guard but had to stop working due to a chronic disease that has kept him in and out of the hospital for many years now. As a result, Kennedy's mother is the family's sole provider. She has a small kiosk she uses as a hotel at a local garage. Kennedy's family has national health insurance coverage, but have not been able to get coverage for his needed treatment. Kennedy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Because of this condition, Kennedy has been experiencing severe headaches and convulsions with loss of mobility from the left arm. Kennedy underwent two shunt insertion surgeries, but the shunt failed. He has been admitted to the High Dependency Unit at our medical partner's hospital for a few days now. Kennedy now needs to undergo a different surgery to help drain the excess cerebral spinal fluid in order for him to recover and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Kennedy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Kennedy to treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 16th. Kennedy's grandmother says, "It is very depressing for me as I have to bring him to the hospital every now and then. I want him to be treated and go back to his better condition."

36-year-old Brenda lives with her family in Uganda. She had hoped to become a nurse, but due to financial constraints, her parents were unable to afford the schooling she would have needed. Today Brenda is engaged in farming - primarily for home consumption - although she sells any surplus she produces to generate income for her family. Brenda is currently pregnant with twins. Except for the malaria that she contracted in her first trimester, Brenda's pregnancy has been healthy. However, doctors have determined that one of the twins is in a breech position, and in order to ensure the safety of both Brenda and her babies, they are recommending that Brenda deliver via a Caesarean section. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Brenda undergo a C-section on December 28th, at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. This procedure will cost $252, and Brenda needs your support. Brenda says: “I expect the best of my delivery and I am hoping to be given a chance to deliver under your support.”

Sok Le is a smiling 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veng province with his parents, grandmother, and six-year-old brother. Since Sok Le is too young for school, he stays at home, cared for by his grandmother, while his parents cultivate rice. His favorite meal is fish soup, and he delights in spending time outdoors, playing with his collection of toy cars. Sok Le has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. Sok Le's family traveled three and a half hours to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), seeking help. Fortunately, the surgeons at CSC can provide the needed treatment. They will perform left tendo-Achilles lengthening surgery to correct the foot equinus (pointing down) position on January 9th. After the surgery, Sok Le's foot will be put in a cast as he recovers. CSC is requesting $444 to fund Sok Le's clubfoot repair. After recovery, his ankle will flex with more range and Sok Le hopefully will be able to walk like other children and wear shoes. Sok Le's mother shared: "We hope after this, Sok Le will walk like other children without pain, and keep up with others when they play."