Brielle is a two-year-old girl from Kenya. She was born prematurely, with significant medical issues. Not too long after she was born, doctors discovered that the passages for stool and urine had not fully formed. While she was in the hospital, having undergone a colostomy, Brielle's father walked away from his wife and child because he felt ashamed of what was happening with his daughter. He said that he had never seen such a condition in his family. Brielle's mother stayed by her daughter's side as she underwent a total of four surgeries. Each recovery brought complications, and each setback tested her faith. A colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall, is often performed to bypass bowel malformations. But colostomies are usually temporary, and may call for closure. In Brielle's case, her colostomy requires closure to restore bowel function and to prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Brielle. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 12th at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, and once it is completed, Brielle should be able to move on to the next phase of her life. “Some days, I do not understand why my daughter has had to fight battles she never asked for, but I know one thing for certain. As long as I have breath, she will never fight alone. I may not have money, I may not have support, but I have a mother’s love, and that is what keeps me standing beside her every single day.” Brielle’s mother narrates.

Nara is a 47-year-old woodworker from Cambodia. He lives in a small community in Kampong Cham province with his wife, who is a tailor. They have three children: their eldest works in a garment factory, while the two younger children are still students. In his spare time, he enjoys watching the news and joining social gatherings. Over a month ago, Nara was involved in a traffic accident that caused a wrist injury and deformity. Since the injury, he has experienced persistent pain and difficulty using his hand. He is unable to properly hold objects, which has significantly affected his ability to work as a woodworker and carry out daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 20th, Nara will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help correct the position of his wrist, relieve pain, and restore function in his hand, allowing him to return to work and support his family. Nara can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Nara said, “I hope the surgery will help me regain the use of my hand so I can go back to work and provide for my family.”

Tibeyalirwa is a 62-year-old father of eight children from Uganda. He and his wife depend on farming for their livelihood, growing food mainly for home consumption and selling off any surplus to meet their basic needs. Ten years ago, Tibeyalirwa developed two swellings in his inguinal region. He sought treatment at a nearby medical center, and underwent surgery. However, two years ago, the swelling recurred on the left side, accompanied by significant pain. Tibeyalirwa has been diagnosed with inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, on March 10th, Tibeyalirwa has been scheduled for hernia repair surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Tibeyalirwa's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Tibeyalirwa says, "I hope to be relieved of the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer."