John is a quiet 11-year-old boy from Kenya. John's story is a journey of compassion and the unwavering support of a dedicated well-wisher. His origin is drawn back in Tanzania, where he faced the disturbing reality of being disowned by his real parents due to his disability on his feet. John was left helpless in the unfamiliar surroundings of central Kenya. For the past seven years his guardian has stood by his side, offering not just a shelter but also a sense of belonging. John’s chapter started to change when a team of AIC Cure International doctors visited his neighborhood for a mobile clinic. He was reviewed and scheduled for surgery and underwent a successful surgery on his left foot and his left foot has healed well. John still has clubfoot of right foot. He is currently in the hospital to undergo right foot treatment, which involves serial casting to adjust the position of his foot to achieve the desired correction. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Surgeons from our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital are scheduled to now perform clubfoot repair surgery on February 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund John's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Once he heals, John aspires to go back to school and study and one day achieve his dream of becoming a doctor in future. John told us: “I am looking forward to seeing my foot corrected, walking properly, playing football with my friends and continuing with my studies like other children, and achieving my dream of becoming a doctor in future to also impact lives of children born like me."

Mattana is an only child and lives with her parents in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. Her parents are rice farmers. She enjoys watching TV and eating homemade soup prepared by her mother. Mattana was born with cerebral palsy, which affects her ability to move around and requires her to use a wheelchair. Cerebral palsy can make muscles and tendons tight. This tightness shortens the muscles and tendons over time. It can cause pain and create abnormalities in the tendons and muscles, affecting mobility. Using a wheelchair also increases her risk of pressure sores on her skin. In addition to her mobility challenges, she has a learning disability, is primarily non-verbal, and does not attend school. Because Mattana's condition is difficult to treat, she was referred by a national children's hospital to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Surgeons have determined that she would benefit from correction of her muscle spasticity - the abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscle. This will eventually help her to stand and walk. On March 5th, Mattana will undergo an ankle, calf, hamstring, and Achilles tendon lengthening. Mattana's parents now need help with the cost of the $572 procedure. After surgery, they hope she can increase her range of motion, reduce pain, and make sitting, standing, and walking more comfortable. Mattana's mother said: "I hope my daughter feels better after surgery and can go to school like other children."

Ange Signoline is a 42-year-old woman from Burundi. She is currently at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kenya, where she is seeking medical treatment for an internal ear infection affecting both ears. Ange Signoline's first visit to AIC Kijabe Hospital was in September 2023, when the hospital was recommended by a friend who lives in Nairobi, Kenya. She received treatment at the time, but the infection has recurred and she has recently been straining to pick voices. She came back to hospital where an otoscopy was done, and she was diagnosed with chronic sclerosing otitis externa - her ears are infected, there is a narrowing of the canal on the distal end, and there is also some pooling of fluid on the constricted segments. A surgical procedure has been scheduled for Ange Signoline, that will widen the ear canal and reconstruct the ear with a skin graft. The goal is a safe, ear infection-free state. However, Ange Signoline is unable to afford the surgery, having exhausted all the support she has received from friends. Her husband does not hold a stable job. She is worried about traveling back home to Burundi without receiving the care that she needs, and is requesting for treatment support. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ange Signoline receive treatment. On April 19th, surgeons at AIC Kijabe will perform an otologic surgery to treat her condition. Now, Ange Sogline needs help to fund this $621 procedure. Ange Signoline says, "I came all the way from Burundi to seek care for my blocked ear canal. Please help me receive treatment so I can prevent hearing loss.”