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.”

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.”

Telake is an adorable 4-year-old girl who loves to play with her friends. She loves to color, write, and play with her baby sister. Telake's mother stays at home while her father is a tuk-tuk driver. A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled mother vehicle used as a taxi. At times when he doesn’t get a job, he does casual labor work. Telake's mother noticed swelling on the left side of her child’s stomach. Doctors at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), diagnosed her with inguinal hernia, a birth condition where there is a weakness in the abdominal wall. In infants and children, inguinal hernias are operated on to prevent other complications. Symptoms may include pain, a burning sensation, swelling, and discomfort. Fortunately, on March 19th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, BKMCM. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $487 to fund Telake's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Her mom said, “I hope she will heal after the surgery. My daughter wants to buy me a house when she grows up. I wish she grows up independent and educated."