Elia is a two-year-old boy from a small village in the Simanjiro district of Tanzania. His parents are livestock keepers and farmers, relying on agriculture for food and sustenance. The drought has brought new problems to their residential area, with large animals such as elephants and buffaloes coming in search of food and damaging their crops. Despite the challenges in the past year, they remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming season. In October 2022, Elia had an accident and suffered burns from hot water, resulting in severe wounds on both his hands that required medical attention. His parents took him to a health center for care. Over the next four months, as his wounds healed, he developed skin contractures on both elbows. Recognizing the impact of the scars on Elia, his parents sought treatment at Monduli Hospital. However, they could not receive the appropriate care and were subsequently referred to our medical partner's facility. In September, Elia’s mother, accompanied by an escort from Monduli Hospital, approached with concerns about Elia’s well-being. Our medical partner facilitated a meeting with a visiting plastics surgeon. During the preparations for surgery, it was observed that Elia was not yet ready for the procedure, and it was decided that he needed to wait until he was in better health before undergoing surgery. In November, Elia had the opportunity to meet with a plastic surgeon and was deemed fit for surgery. Given the severity of his case, the plan is to start with a contracture release on one elbow as the start of Elia's healing journey. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Elia receive treatment. On November 16th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enhance the extension of his arm. AMH is requesting $639 to fund this procedure. Elia’s mother says: “I hope this treatment will be a start for a better life for my son.”

Mameulove is a 10th-grade student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. In addition to studying, Mameulove helps her parents with their ironwork business. Mameulove has a cardiac condition called pulmonary valve stenosis. When she was six, she underwent surgery for a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. While the surgery was successful, one of the valves of her heart could not be completely repaired at that time. Now, Mameulove needs to undergo cardiac surgery to repair or replace her pulmonary valve so that it functions normally. She will fly to the United States to receive treatment on July 10th. Another organization, the Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $20,000 to pay for surgery. Mameulove's family also needs help to fund the costs of her surgery prep, which is $1,500 and covers all labs, medicines, check-ups, and follow-up appointments. Additionally, it covers the cost of the passports they need to travel and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Mameulove's family overseas. Mameulove said, "I am so grateful to everyone who is helping me to have a strong and healthy heart!"

Sr. Justine is a 52-year-old nun from Uganda. She does not have an income through her work and, therefore, needs assistance raising money for her surgery needs. Three years ago, she began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent swelling on her neck. Additionally, she has difficulty speaking, which has limited her ability to communicate with others. She also becomes easily fatigued, even in minor activities, and experiences difficulty breathing at times. Sr. Justine's condition can lead to severe or fatal airway obstruction without treatment. Fortunately, Sr. Justine was able to visit our medical partner's care center. The doctors diagnosed her condition as a non-toxic goiter, which will require surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. On August 3rd, Sr. Justine will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Sr. Justine said, "I will be grateful when my surgery is considered, as it will improve the quality of my life."