Jayden is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the second born in a family of two children. Jayden's father is currently attending welding classes and relies on casual employment to make ends meet, while his mother also earns income through casual work. Jayden was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus or bow legs. When he began standing on his own; his legs showed a noticeable bow outward. The condition worsened as he grew older, prompting them to seek medical attention. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Jaden experiences difficulty walking, expending a great deal of energy, and often crying after walking for a while. Recently, while listening to the radio, they learned about Kafika House, which prompted them to seek consultation. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery and treatment for Jayden at their care center Kafika House. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 5th. Treatment will hopefully restore Jayden's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Jayden’s mother says, “Please help my son. I hope he gets treatment and grows up to be successful.”

Chelangat is the youngest of 6 children in her family and is currently in 1st grade. Her mother is a local roadside vendor selling vegetables and other seasonal groceries in her small village to meet her children’s basic needs. Her father is a young farmer growing maize and beans which are seasonal crops. Her siblings are all currently in primary school. Chelangat was brought into Kapsowar Hospital by her mother and her cousin with complaints of pain in her right elbow, and progressive swelling. Chelangat's mother reports that on January 31st, 2024, Chelangat fell at school, injuring her elbow. She was then taken to a nearby health center twice where she was given painkillers and both times was discharged back home, although the pain kept persisting. Her family decided to come to Kapsowar Hospital for further treatment. An X-ray was done which revealed that she had a displaced upper arm fracture and developed compartment syndrome, which causes pain and could cause nerve damage. She was then put in a skin traction and the arm was elevated to help decrease the swelling as she awaits surgery. Chelangat needs to undergo surgery on her elbow so that she can be able to go back to school and continue with her studies. The surgery costs $679 and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting funds to support this surgery. Chelangat's mother says, “My daughter is in a lot of pain, please help her so that she gets better and joins her classmates to continue with her studies.”

Oscar is a 28-year-old married man from a village in Lilongwe District in Malawi. He has a young child who is not yet of school age, and relies on small-scale farming to support the family by growing maize, groundnuts, and keeping livestock. One year ago, Oscar noticed an itch in his throat and a slight hoarseness in his voice, initially thinking he was developing a cough. However, he later discovered a small painful swelling that has been gradually getting larger. He did not seek medical help as he had no funds to pay for treatment until his mother heard about a care program when she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Oscar was diagnosed with goiter, and was scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy surgery. The condition has negatively affected his life as the swelling is painful and sometimes, he experiences shortness of breath. Treatment will relieve him of these symptoms, improving the quality of his life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is helping Oscar receive treatment at their care center. On March 7th surgeons will perform thyroid surgery so he can regain his health. Now, he needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Oscar says, “Thank you for this opportunity, I am looking forward to treatment and recovery.”