Cleophas is a 7-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the 5th born in a family of six children. Cleophas was born with clubfoot, a condition where his foot is twisted. He was also born with hydrocephalus, an issue where fluids accumulate in his brain. To help with his hydrocephalus, doctors put a shunt in his head to drain the extra water. But even with the shunt, Cleophas still has trouble walking because of his clubfoot. He tiptoes as he walks and often falls. Fortunately, Cleophas visited our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on April 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, requests $1,286 to fund Cleophas's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he is expected to be able to walk comfortably without tiptoeing and continue with his education without interruption. Cleophas' mother shared, "I look forward to seeing my son walking comfortably like other children."

Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"

Piseth lives with his mother and two siblings in Kampong Cham province. He shared that his father is not in his life. Both his younger brother and sister work in construction. Before his tragic accident, he was also employed in construction and enjoyed playing football with his friends. In April 2023, he was involved in a high-speed motorbike collision, fracturing his right clavicle, right forearm, right femur, and right kneecap. He sought treatment at a local hospital, but after six months, he was unable to use his arm and hand due to paralysis and was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre at Kien Khleang. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to work and grapples with the challenges of this devastating injury, rendering him unable to use his arm or hand. The impact of this physical limitation has taken a toll on his emotional well-being, resulting in a significant state of depression. Piseth traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On February 2nd, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to be able to use his arm and hand again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund his procedure. Piseth shared: "I hope I can work with my hands again so I can support myself and not only rely on my family."