Loise is the third born in a family of eight children. She's in the 5th grade and is passionate about reading. She aspires to become a doctor. Her mother is a homemaker and her father is a teacher. Loise’s clubfoot was diagnosed shortly after birth. Her left foot was turned inward and downward. Due to the lack of hospital services in their region, Loise has had to live with this condition which affects her mobility. Loise’s medical journey began with a visit to a mobile clinic where she was seen by an orthopaedic specialist. The doctor recommended that she start with serial casting, a gentle and effective treatment for clubfoot purposed to soften the tissues and realign her bones before surgery. She is presently in the hospital undergoing serial casting and needs to undergo a surgical procedure that will make it possible for her to wear shoes, walk upright, improve her self-esteem, and continue her education. Her surgery is scheduled for February 28th and her family is raising $1,224 to cover the cost of care. Loise said: “I am looking forward to walk upright without pain and continue with my education.”

Cyrus is an energetic young boy from Kenya. He completed his national exam last month. Cyrus is the 2nd born of a family of five children. The 1st born is 17 years, while the last born is in grade 2. His mom is a single parent, who is currently unemployed and working small jobs that she can get to make ends meet. She has been taking care of the five children by herself with no consistent source of income. He lives in single rental room which they pay $15 per month. His mother was referred to our medical partner's BethanyKids Hospital by a local doctor in a nearby facility to correct the condition. They came to BethanyKids and the doctor examined him, he has recommended surgery. This surgery will enable him to live a normal life like other children urinating properly. Cyrus was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and infertility. Fortunately, Cyrus is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 4th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $847 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Cyrus's mother says, “This condition will affect his self-esteem. He already feels low and sad because of the condition.”

Ernesto is a widower and father of three from the Philippines. Ernesto enjoys watching TV and using his mobile phone during his free time. He is currently unemployed due to his condition and physical limitations as a senior citizen. He helps his children by taking care of his grandchildren and accompanying them to school every day. He lives with his second child and is dependent on his income as a driver. Six months ago, Ernesto began experiencing numbness in his foot and upper body. He was diagnosed with inguinal bilateral hernia and was advised to undergo surgery. On March 9th, Ernesto will have hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Ernesto's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ernesto shared, "I hope you can continue to help more people like us. I am very grateful and I will carry your kindness in me until my dying breath. Thank you very much."