Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Thea is a 49-year-old food seller from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veaeng Province with his wife, who is also a food seller. They have two children; their eldest works in a footwear factory, and their youngest is in the fourth grade. In his free time, he enjoys chatting with friends in his village. One week ago, Thea sustained a fracture on his left ankle after hitting a stone while riding a motorcycle. The injury caused severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Since then, he has experienced significant difficulty walking and relies on crutches for mobility. The pain and stiffness in his left ankle have limited his ability to work and carry out daily activities independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 11th, Thea will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fracture and allow the ankle to heal properly. It is expected to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more easily and return to his daily activities. Thea can contribute $50, but needs help raising $550 more to fund his procedure and care. Thea stated, “After the surgery, I hope that my pain and stiffness will improve, and that I will be able to walk more easily without relying on crutches. I hope to regain my independence, perform my daily activities comfortably, and improve my quality of life.”

Kataleya is a sweet 13-year-old girl from Bolivia. Kataleya lives in the northern part of the country with her mother, who is a homemaker; her dad, who works in agriculture; and her younger sister. Kataleya was taken to the doctor with complaints of headaches, and it was during this visit that doctors heard a murmur and discovered her heart problem. Kataleya has a cardiac condition called an atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. On May 20th, Kataleya will undergo heart surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Kataleya'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. Kataleya's mother shared, "I'm grateful that my daughter is receiving her surgery. They told me the heart murmur was going to close with time, but recently we found out it didn't. I pray she will have a good surgery, and she can feel much better so she can exercise as she wishes."