Jonathan and his mother are refugees from Southern Sudan. He is the 1st born in a family of three children. He is a special needs child after being diagnosed with autism when he was young. His mother says he developed jaundice as a neonate, which was not well controlled, which she believes led to brain damage. Hence, she cannot work because Jonathan requires constant support. It takes the help of relatives and friends to help her make ends meet. Since 2021, Jonathan has been experiencing frequent adenoid infections, accompanied by difficulty sleeping, breathing, as well as pain, making him cry a lot. He has been treated many times with not much change. They were introduced to our partner's care centre, Nazareth Hospital, by one of the doctors from South Sudan. After consultation, the surgeon advised to have an adenoidectomy, but the family is not able to raise the fee required. If not treated, Jonathan will have more problems. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is requesting help raising the $565 to fund the surgery planned January 28th. Jonathon's mother shared: “It is not easy to bring up or care for a child with autism, but at least I try my best. It is worse when he has a painful or disturbing condition like this. I kindly seek help so that he may be treated and at least I can have one less problem to deal with. I would appreciate it.”

Suzan is a 30 year old farmer in southwestern Uganda. Despite completing 7th grade, she couldn't proceed with further education due to a lack of school fees. She engages in farming, cultivating food crops on her small piece of land primarily for home consumption. She also sells the surplus to generate income for her family. She is a devoted mother of two children, one in nursery and another in primary class three. She takes pleasure in caring for her children, handling their washing and cooking for them. Seeing her children enjoy the food she has prepared herself brings her great joy. Her husband works as a builder, and they reside in a three-room mud-built house. Suzan recounts that her last child was delivered via caesarean section but sadly passed away at 3 months. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting her fourth child. She's been attending antenatal care at Nyakibale Hospital. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of her higher risk. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Suzan undergo a caesarean section on December 12th. This procedure will cost $252, and Suzan needs your support. Suzan says, “With your support, I hope for a successful delivery, a live baby and a full recovery even afterward.”

51-year-old Jennifer is from Cavite, Philippines, where she lives with her husband, Arnulfo. Together, they have three children. Arnulfo worked as an aircon technician, until he suffered a stroke in 2021. He has only recently been able to go back to work. Jennifer and Arnulfo had been relying on financial assistance from one of their children, until Arnulfo returned to his job. Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. Jennifer has been advised that a mastectomy - surgery which will remove breast tissue - is the best way to treat her condition, and to prevent the cancer from spreading. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Jennifer receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on January 13th, at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. While a portion of the cost of her treatment is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, WSFP is looking to you to help raise $1,058 to fund the remaining cost. After treatment, Jennifer will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. "This free surgery, which is made possible by your kind hearts, is a great help for me and my family. We are very grateful to all of you because we really have nothing to rely on for these types of expenses," said Jennifer.