Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Birhanu is 75 years old and a retired soldier from Ethiopia. His wife makes handicrafts to bring in extra money. Together, they work hard to support their four children—three sons and one daughter. For more than two years, however, a growing cloud in his left eye—known as a cataract—has turned his life upside down. Birhanu's vision has become blurry and weak, making it dangerous for him to walk outside, especially after dark. Simple chores around the house have also become exhausting challenges, taking away the independence and quiet daily routines he has relied on for decades. Fortunately, Birhanu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Birhanu shared, "I hope to walk safely at night, go back to doing odd jobs to help my family, handle chores on my own, and get my confidence and active life back in the community."

Seng is a 16-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and two sisters. His older sister sells clothes, while his younger sister is in Grade 9. He enjoys studying Khmer literature and hopes to work in an IT company when he grows up. During his free time, he enjoys reading books and playing games. In 2024, Seng was involved in a road traffic accident involving a motorbike and a car, which caused a closed fracture of his right ankle. He initially visited a private clinic and was later treated by a traditional practitioner, who applied a splint for two months. A wound developed a few days after the splint was applied and later became infected, requiring medical treatment to clean the wound and remove damaged tissue. After the splint was removed, he could no longer lift the front of his right foot. He has been living with this condition for approximately two years. He needs a tendon and nerve repair procedure to regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Seng receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on October 21st. His family can contribute $12.50, but needs help raising $689 more to fund his procedure and care. Seng's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my son walk more easily and continue his studies without difficulty. As his mother, I want to see him move freely and have a brighter future.”