Zubeir is a 20-month-old baby from Kenya. His father takes on occasional environmental cleaning jobs offered by the government, work that may come only once or twice a year. Seven months after Zubeir was born, his parents began to notice something that unsettled their hearts. Zubeir has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Zubeir has been experiencing his head growing larger than normal. They rushed him to a nearby medical facility in their desperation for answers. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Zubeir that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 12th and will drain the excess fluid from Zubeir's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Zubeir will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “Every day I see him, I see strength and possibility. I pray the surgery will help him shine even brighter,” Zubeir’s father shared.

Sroeung is 43 years old and a rice farmer from Cambodia. Her husband works alongside her on the farm to support their four children. The family lives a simple life and relies mainly on seasonal rice farming income. In her free time, she manages household chores and takes care of her children. About one month ago, Sroeung experienced sudden dizziness and fell, injuring her left elbow. After the fall, she felt pain and was unable to bend or lift her elbow properly, which made it difficult for her to perform farming work and daily household activities. Initially, she sought treatment from a Khmer traditional medicine practitioner, but her condition did not improve. Later, she visited a private clinic where an X-ray examination revealed an elbow dislocation. The doctor advised her to seek specialized orthopedic treatment. After learning about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), from her mother, she traveled 2.5 hours to receive further evaluation and care. On March 3rd, Sroeung will undergo a reduction procedure on her left elbow. She can contribute $25, and needs help raising $427 more to fund her procedure and care. With proper treatment and recovery, her elbow function is expected to improve, allowing her to move her arm more comfortably, return to farming activities, and care for her family with less pain and difficulty. Sroeung shared, “Since I fell, my elbow has been very painful, and I cannot move it properly. It makes daily work difficult for me. I hope this treatment will help my arm heal so I can use it normally again and take care of my family.”

Swalehe is a two-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents and two older siblings. His father earns a living pushing a market cart and transporting goods for customers, while his mother stays at home caring for the children and managing the household. Swalehe was born with fused fingers on both hands and fused toes on his left foot. As he has grown, these conditions have affected the development of his fine motor skills and his balance when walking and playing. Initially, the family was not sure if these conditions could be treated. Thankfully, they learned about our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, through a friend whose child had received successful care there. The family travelled to Kafika House, where doctors recommended surgical treatment. Without treatment, Swalehe will continue to experience functional limitations. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Swalehe receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give Swalehe the chance to grow, play, and develop with greater independence and confidence. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Swalehe's mother says, “His fingers are joined and tight, so he cannot grasp or release objects properly.”