Annet, who is 39 years old, is a farmer living with her second husband and two children in Uganda. Annet's husband is a casual builder in their village. About six years ago, Annet started feeling mild neck pains. She then developed a small neck swelling that started to increase in size over time. She thought it was a temporary condition, and tried using herbs, which did not help her at all. Instead, she began to experience troubling symptoms, including mild airway obstruction, and unusual fatigue, which have impeded her work as a farmer. Ultimately, Annet was diagnosed with a non-toxic goiter, for which she needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Annet receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on April 11th at Rushoroza Hospital, when surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $333, and Annet and her family need your help to raise this money. Annet says: “I pray for a successful surgery. I hope to live a normal life once again. I will continue with farming so that I may be able to continue taking good care of my family.”

Riyaq is an 18-month-old baby from Kenya. She is the last born in a family of four children. Her mother is a housewife while her father sells water to the community. Riyaq has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Riyaq has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Her family was referred to Bethany Kids where an examination was done and surgery recommended. Without treatment, Riyaq will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Riyaq that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 8th and will drain the excess fluid from Riyaq's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Riyaq will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Riyaq’s aunt says, “We have never seen such a condition. We did not know what to do and have given up but coming here has changed us, and we hope that all will be well in the end.”

Collings, who is four years old, is the only child of his single mother. Collings lives with his grandmother in Malawi while his mother works as a farmer. Collings' grandmother is also a farmer. When Collings was about a year old, his mother noticed swelling in his left inguinal region. Collings was brought to the nearest clinic in Malawi. From there, they were referred to Nkhotakota district hospital for additional care. A diagnosis of a hernia was made and surgery was recommended. Now Collings is four and since his diagnosis, he has remained untreated. The episodes of swelling have worsened, causing Collings a lot of pain. His grandmother has had to suspend her work as a farmer as she tries to get Collings the care he needs. On May 2nd, Collings will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to fund Collings' treatment. His grandmother hopes that the operation will help Collings get better. Collings' grandmother happily said: “I can’t wait to see Collings well again; thank you, Sponsors, for coming in with support.”