Arkam is seven-year-old primary school student from Tanzania. He lives with his grandparents while his parents work in another region of the country. Both his grandparents along with his parents, work together to provide for his needs. However, the grandparents also care for three more grandchildren. Arkam was born with a congenital condition that limits the full use of his fingers on both hands. Despite making efforts to seek treatment, the family encountered difficulties due to the high cost of medical expenses. In 2023, they reached out to our medical partner's care center Kafika House and were invited for a review. Earlier this month, Arkam was brought to Kafika House by his grandfather for consultation. Specialist surgeons at the center have proposed a contracture release and skin graft to help him gain use of his fingers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Arkam receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 6th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to enhance the functionality of his hand. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Arkam’s grandfather says: “I hope my grandson will be able to use his hand because it will make it easier for him while in school.”

Bernadin is a playful two-year-old girl from Haiti. Bernadin has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Bernadin has been experiencing increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Bernadin will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Bernadin at Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on May 9th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Bernadin's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment and follow-up care, Bernadin should develop into a strong, healthy young girl. The family is looking forward to Bernadin growing up happy and healthy.

Nyaduel is a 51-year-old woman from Ethiopia. She is a refugee and stays at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. She is not employed and depends on donations at the refugee camp. She is married and a mother of six children, who are educated by relief agencies at the camp. Over three years ago, Nyaduel began to experience abdominal and back pain that worsened over time. A family member advised her to seek medical treatment. Nyaduel was diagnosed with cholelithiasis or stones in her gallbladder. If not treated, Nyaduel will continue to have pain and may have complications like bile duct obstruction. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $788 to fund Nyaduel's surgery. On May 20th, she will undergo gallbladder removal surgery at Nazareth Hospital. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve her quality of life. Nyaduel shared, “I have endured a lot of pain. I hope to get help so that I can be treated and at least continue serving my family, despite where we are.”