Lydiah is an 18-year-old from Kenya. In February 2022, Lydiah's schooling and aspirations for becoming a doctor had to be put on hold when she began to experience excruciating pain in her right leg and hip. The pain progressed to the point where she could no longer bear weight on her leg, forcing her to leave school. When she was unable to find help in her province, Lydiah moved to live with her aunt in Nairobi. Despite visits to various dispensaries, and attempts to secure medical care, including painkillers, Lydiah's condition did not improve. She and her aunt tried visiting hospitals, but could not afford to pay for the necessary scans. In November 2023, Lydiah developed a swelling on her hip joint. Financial limitations prevented her from accessing care, leaving her in persistent agony. In June 2024, when her condition deteriorated further, Lydia was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Lydiah was diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the right thigh bone and was recommended to undergo sequestrectomy surgery. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. The recommended surgery will remove the bone that has died, as a result of the infection. Again, finances have been a challenge, and Lydiah has remained in pain. Currently, Lydiah suffers from a painful, swollen thigh with a draining sinus, intensified by the cold season. Compounding her challenges, Lydiah is the only child of her mother who has been grappling with mental health issues since her husband's passing in 2015. Her aunt is her only hope since she is the one who has been taking care of her since she fell ill. Lydiah’s aunt is a casual beauty laborer, who weaves hair extensions for women, and whose income is precarious. Lydiah’s aunt is also a single mother to three children. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to fund the $1,400 needed for Lydiah's surgery, scheduled for July 16th. They hope this intervention will not only alleviate her suffering, but also pave the way for her to pursue her dreams. Lydiah said: “I know that I am advanced in years, but I am willing to continue from Form 2, where I left off, and proceed to pursue my career as a doctor.”

Sokpich is a five-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his younger sister. His mother is a housewife, and his father works as a construction worker. In his free time, Sokpich enjoys playing soccer with his friends and loves eating traditional Cambodian pork fried rice. Three days ago, Sokpich was playing at home when he put a small part of a toy into his left ear. He tried to get it out himself before telling his mom, but the toy only went deeper into his ear. He is experiencing discomfort, headaches, and can't hear clearly out of the left ear. Sokpich traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 28, staff at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the foreign object. Now, Sokpich's family needs help to raise $198 to fund this procedure. Sokpich's mom says, "I want my son to feel comfortable, and I hope that the object can be removed so he can return to his kindergarten class."

Meet Macda, a 35-year-old mother of two from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her partner and their two children. She and her partner are both vendors. Macda has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. As a result of an infection that she suffered earlier in her life, one of the four valves of her heart does not function properly. This valve cannot adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. Macda will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On August 27th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital, during which surgeons will either repair or replace her damaged valve, allowing it to function more normally. The hospital is contributing $25,000.00 to pay for the surgery. However, Macda's family also needs help to fund the cost of pre-surgical labs, medicines, and checkups, as well as follow-up appointments. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, will also need resources to secure travel documents and support for social workers who will accompany Macda's family on their trip to the U.S. They are requesting $1,500 to fund these costs. Macda said: "I have been praying for years to be able to have this surgery, and I am very thankful to everyone who is helping me to get it!"