Aisan is a one-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of two children. His parents are farmers who grow maize for household consumption and sell the surplus at the local market to earn income and meet their family’s needs. Aisan was born with clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which both feet are twisted inward. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. His parents were concerned about his condition and the challenges he might face in the future. Aisan is scheduled to begin treatment through manipulation and serial casting. He will subsequently undergo a tenotomy procedure to help improve foot alignment. Through this treatment, Aisan will have an opportunity to develop with properly aligned feet, allowing him to wear shoes and walk comfortably as he grows. Fortunately, Aisan's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 28th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Aisan's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will have a better chance to enjoy childhood activities and pursue his dreams without the limitations associated with untreated clubfoot. “We are grateful that Aisan was identified early and given a chance for treatment. We hope he will grow up healthy and walk comfortably like other children,” says Aisan's mother.

Char is a 55-year-old man from Burma who lives with his wife, two daughters, and two sons. His oldest two children work as small-scale farmers alongside Char and his wife, while his two youngest are students. Char's family also raises buffalo, pigs, and chickens for their consumption and to sell for income every four or five months. Char shared that the money they earn from selling their livestock, as well as the crops they grow for themselves, is just enough to cover their daily needs and to pay for basic health care. Char has a right inguinal hernia with bowel obstruction that is causing him to experience a lot of pain, difficulty walking and moving, and a reduced appetite. He needs to undergo surgery to heal from his condition. Fortunately, our medical partner can help him undergo hernia repair surgery on May 12th, which, once completed, will allow him to live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,468 to fund Char's surgery. Char shared about how upsetting this condition has been for him and his family, stating: "I cannot help my family take care of our rice fields, [vegetable] garden, or buffaloes," he said. "After I recover, I want to go home to take care of our rice fields and look after my buffalo. I will also go to the forest to forage for vegetables and hunt."

Luciano is an eight-year-old student from Colombia. He is an outgoing, intelligent, and very affectionate boy who stands out for being extremely responsible and level-headed in everything he does. He has a unique spark that fills his entire family with pride and love, and in his heart he holds a big dream: to become a professional soccer player when he grows up. A year ago, Luciano was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. He needs surgery to correct it and prevent potential future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents one from carrying out daily activities. Fortunately, on September 18th, Luciano will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luciano's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Luciano's mother said, "I am writing this message with a heart full of gratitude. I want to sincerely thank you for your invaluable help and for making it possible for children like mine to have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. For us, as single mothers, not having the financial resources for these procedures is very difficult, and people with your generosity are a beacon of hope. May God reward you for your kindness!"