Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Emmanuel is a six-year-old boy from Uganda. After his parents' separation, he is now cared for by his grandmother, who is a small-scale farmer. His mother supports him by working as a vegetable vendor at the local trading center. For the past three years, Emmanuel has had an inguinal scrotal hernia, a condition where abdominal tissue protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and extend down into the scrotal sac. His grandmother first noticed the condition when he began crying after an incident while playing with other children. Concerned, she took him to several clinics, where Emmanuel was given pain medication, and they were advised to have an ultrasound scan performed. Due to financial constraints, the family resorted to using local herbal remedies, but these did not help. Instead, the swelling continued to increase in size. Emmanuel now experiences significant pain and discomfort. He is unable to sit for long periods, and walking to school has become very difficult. As a result, he has stopped attending school. During a medical outreach program run by our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Hospital, Emmanuel was examined and his mother was advised to bring him to the hospital for further evaluation and proper management. Emmanuel has been scheduled for hernia repair surgery on June 3rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund his procedure, which once completed, will allow him to live healthier and go back to school. Emmanuel's mother says, "If all goes well, my son will go back to school and I am ready to support him with the little I have."