Besufikad is a four-month-old baby boy and the first child of his mother from Ethiopia. His mother grew up in a rural area, raised by her parents, who were farmers. Unfortunately, when war broke out, her parents were killed, forcing her to flee to Addis Ababa. Besufikad's mother was working as a domestic worker but her employer asked her to leave when she told them she was pregnant. She lived on the streets and relied on others for food. When she went into labor, a friend took her to a health center, where she gave birth. Besufikad was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital condition that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. They visited a hospital where Besufikad was given a colostomy bag to help with his condition. Returning to the streets with Besufikad's health issues was difficult. Doctors suggested that they go to a charity home, where they stayed until Besufikad was given a schedule for his surgery. Besufikad will undergo surgery to correct his condition on August 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Besufikad's procedure and care. After his recovery, Besufikad will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Besufikad's mom said, “I hope my baby will get the necessary treatment and heal.”

Meet Koemseng, an 11-year-old boy from Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia. His parents work as construction workers and his younger brother is in kindergarten. Koemseng is currently in 5th grade and enjoys his Khmer history class. At home, he likes to eat fried fish and eggs with rice and plays with his little brother. When Koemseng was six years old, he had a fever and received an injection in his left thigh at a local clinic. This caused quadriceps contracture, where the muscle became abnormally tight and shortened in his left leg. This condition left him unable to fully flex his left knee and caused an unusual walking pattern. A local hospital suggested that Koemseng's parents visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek help. Koemseng and his parents traveled for two and a half hours for diagnosis and treatment. On July 17th, Koemseng will undergo surgery on his left leg which will help lengthen and release the tight muscle, allowing the knee to bend more freely and improving overall leg function. Koemseng's family is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise $472 more to fund this procedure. Koemseng's father hopes that Koemseng can walk better and return to school to see his friends as soon as possible.

Rahab is a 51-year-old woman from Kenya. She is married and has three children. Rahab and her husband used to work, but when COVID-19 struck, they both lost their jobs. Struggling to sustain their family, they returned to their family home, where they now engage in small-scale farming. Although their income is limited, it is enough to cover their family's basic needs. For about a year, Rahab has been experiencing intermittent, excessive bleeding. She initially sought treatment at a nearby hospital but was eventually referred to our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital, where she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Unfortunately, due to their current financial situation, Rahab and her husband cannot afford the cost of the surgery and need assistance. If left untreated, Rahab will continue to experience bleeding, which could lead to complications such as anemia. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $657 to fund Rahab's surgery. On September 27th, she will undergo gynecological surgery that will help Rahab resume her daily activities free of pain. Rahab said “I have been weak due to excessive bleeding, and I live in fear of the unknown because of the fibroids, I am unable to afford the treatment advised and seek your help to restore my health. After the treatment, I will be able to work to provide for my family”