Crispin is a 65-year-old father of three from the Philippines. He lives with his wife and daughter. He has two other children who already have their own families. Crispin is currently unemployed and depends on his daughter’s modest income, which only covers their daily needs. He explained that he could only undergo surgery if financial assistance were provided. Despite these challenges, Crispin takes care of himself by avoiding heavy lifting and eating healthier foods. Five months ago, Crispin was diagnosed with an 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. The condition has been causing him pain and difficulty in moving around. Crispin needs to undergo surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 15th, Crispin will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Crispin's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will ease his suffering, and lift the financial burden on his family, giving them a chance to move forward with dignity and hope. Crispin says, "I am deeply grateful to the Almighty and the Foundation for this surgery, which saves me from falling into debt and gives me hope that more people like me will continue to receive help."

Muluwerk is a 28-year-old woman from Ethiopia. She and her husband have three young children—two sons and a daughter. Muluwerk has been facing a quiet, painful battle with a bone infection known as osteomyelitis. As a young mother caring for her children and home, she spends her days taking on physically demanding tasks. Muluwerk experiences pain, swelling, and other worrisome symptoms, making each day a showcase of her resilience. Muluwerk visited our medical partner's care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital (SWGH), for help. After review, her doctors have recommended that she undergo a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected, dead bone or tissue. If not treated, her condition can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on April 8th, Muluwerk will undergo repair surgery at SWGH's care center. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate her symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. SWGH is requesting $900 to fund her procedure. Muluwerk said, "I am hoping to end this four-year cycle of suffering once and for all. By getting my mobility back, I can finally put all my energy into building a bright future for my family, free from the shadow of this recurring illness."

Stacy is a 10-year-old girl from Kenya. Since she was young, Stacy has grown up living in a children's home since both parents are not in her life. She shared that it was hard when she was first arrived but eventually Stacy started opening up and finding joy in the small moments, playing with her mates, and even enrolling in school. Currently in Grade 3, life has been a journey that has had lots of ups and downs. For years, Stacy has had umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area, occurring due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Stacy has been experiencing on and off pain at the site and was under pain medication, which did not provide lasting relief. One day, the home management came across information online, about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). After a call to BKKH, Stacy was brought to the hospital where she underwent a series of tests. Stacy's diagnosis was confirmed, and she has now been scheduled for a hernia repair surgery, on August 10th. Unfortunately, the home's management, dependent on well-wishers for their running, cannot afford to pay for her surgical treatment. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Stacy receive treatment. The procedure will cost $585, and once completed, Stacy will live a healthier life, free from her painful symptoms. She says: "I have had to stay back many times as my friends went to school because of the pain. I hope that after surgery I won't have to skip school anymore."