Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Sylivia is 31 years old and a nurse from Uganda. Her husband works as a security guard in a local town, and they have two children together. Sylvia carried her previous pregnancies to term and delivered both children by emergency caesarean section due to cephalopelvic disproportion. Her children are doing well and are all in school. She is currently expecting a new baby, and her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Sylivia undergo a C-Section on January 20th. This procedure will cost $241, and Sylivia needs your support. Sylivia says, "I hope to recover soon and resume my duties as a nurse so I can support my family."

Mosongo is a 13-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third-born in a family of eight children and lives in a pastoral household where grazing livestock is his primary responsibility. Mosongo completed his primary school but was unable to progress to secondary education because of the discomfort he experienced when walking long distances to school. His parents depend on animal keeping for their livelihood and face financial constraints in accessing specialized care. Mosongo was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. This condition began approximately two years ago and has caused both his legs to bow inward, making his knees touch. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. Mosongo has progressively experienced pain in his legs, particularly during cold seasons. Despite this discomfort, he continues to assist his family with daily herding activities. If left untreated, the condition could lead to worsening pain and further limitation of mobility. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Mosongo. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Mosongo's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Mosongo says, "I have always enjoyed going out with my friends for long walks and taking our cattle for grazing, but recently it has been hard because my legs hurt when I walk for a while."