Yonatan is a lively six-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives in a close-knit family of four. Yonatan is growing up alongside his brother in a home filled with love, supported by his hardworking father, who drives a taxi, and his caring mother, who stays home to look after the boys. While Yonatan's father spends long, tiring hours on the road to provide for everyone, the boy’s happy childhood has been interrupted by a difficult health battle. Because of chronic tonsillitis, he is stuck in a stressful loop of recurring pain and constant trips to the hospital, which keep him away from the fun and games he loves. Two years ago, Yonatan had been experiencing fever, recurring sore throats, and difficulty swallowing. Because his high fevers and sharp throat pain kept coming back, even the simplest parts of his day have become incredibly hard. Sitting down for a family dinner is no longer fun. Instead, every bite of food is a painful struggle that leaves Yonatan exhausted. Even at night, when he should be resting, the discomfort keeps him awake and tossing and turning. This constant battle leaves Yonatan feeling so weak and drained that he just can’t find the strength to run, jump, or keep up with his brother like he used to. Yonatan was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is able to help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Yonatan, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Yonatan of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. "In our home, we are all counting down the days until Yonatan feels like himself again. What we are most excited about is seeing him enjoy his favorite snacks without that sharp, burning pain every time he tries to swallow. We miss seeing Yonatan full of life, and we can’t wait for him to finally have the strength to run around and keep up with his brother during playtime. For our family, seeing him healthy and active again will be the greatest gift of all," said Yonatan's parents.

Netsanet is a 28-year-old hardworking woman from Ethiopia who supports her seven brothers and sisters. This responsibility led her to work far from home as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia for two years, with a goal of opening up a business when she returned home. However, this did not go as planned, as she had to send her salary back home every month to care for the family, leaving very little in terms of savings. When she returned home seven months ago, Netsanet secured a new job as a salesperson in a cosmetics shop. Two months ago, she started experiencing uncomfortable symptoms like heavy bleeding, bloating, and increasing pain. The symptoms got worse with time, and she was unable to continue working. Netsanet went to the hospital and was diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. She needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Fortunately, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, can help. Netsanet is scheduled to undergo surgery on April 9th, and she needs help raising $1,050 to fund her surgery and care. Netsanet says, "I hope to return to work and find my strength again. I wish to be the independent person I’ve always been, someone who can stand on my own two feet and provide for my family’s needs without any limits."

Sopy is a 23-year-old man from Kratie Province, Cambodia. He lives with his mother, who works as a rice farmer; his father passed away when he was a child. He is the middle of three siblings, and his older brother and sister work as day laborers to help support the family. When Sopy was 11, he noticed a mass on the left side of his face. It has grown gradually over the years and, while not painful, causes itchiness and visible facial asymmetry. Previous evaluations and treatments, including biopsies and a course of anti-tuberculosis medication, have not resolved the condition. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will remove the mass on June 16th. Sopy's family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $791 more to fund his procedure and care. Sopy said, “I have lived with this condition since I was young, and it has affected how I feel about myself. I hope this surgery will reduce the mass, improve my appearance, and help me feel confident and comfortable in my daily life.”