Hannah is a 36-year-old single woman from Kenya and the youngest in a family of six children. She is not employed, mainly because she's the primary caregiver of her elderly parents. She also tends to their small farm. About eight months ago, Hannah noticed a swelling on her neck. Her sister had previously undergone a thyroidectomy, and was particularly observant. Hannah decided to visit a local hospital, where a surgery was advised, but she was unable to afford it. Recently, Hannah noticed that the swelling had continued to increase, prompting her to seek care at Nazareth Hospital. She was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Hannah receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 20th where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $633, and she and her family need help raising the funds. "Being the lastborn and the only one at home, my old parents depend much on my care. I seek for your support, so that I can be well to continue serving them," said Hannah.

Mdoe is a 14-year-old boy from Kenya. Shortly after his birth, Mdoe showed signs that his intestines were not working properly. He was brought to several hospitals, but was not given a clear diagnosis. Mdoe's condition worsened. He was visibly in pain, restless, and crying constantly. Mdoe's mother was determined to find help. She took him to a larger facility, where doctors explained that his intestines were intertwined and that he would need surgery. He would require a colostomy bag to help him pass stool. After a few days of monitoring, they were discharged. But only days later, complications arose, and Kinago underwent surgery at the same hospital. Life after surgery was far from easy. His mother took him for clinic checkups several times, striving to remain consistent with his care. But back at home, reality pressed in. Both parents engage in small-scale farming, stretching each harvest to provide for their eight children. Eventually, the cost of continued clinic visits became impossible to sustain. Now fourteen, Mdoe has never been able to attend school. It breaks his heart to watch children his age walk to class while he remains at home. His condition requires him to change his colostomy bag regularly, yet he has been using the same one since early childhood. Some schools refused to admit him. Over time, discouraged and burdened by school fees, his mother stopped trying. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On February 12th, Mdoe will undergo abdominal surgery that will improve Mdoe's quality of life. His family needs help raising $1,081 to fund his procedure and care. Mdoe's mother shared, “It is painful when your child asks you why he cannot go to school like other children. I see the longing in his eyes, and I wish I could take this condition away from him. I may not have wealth, but I have never stopped fighting for him, even when the journey felt too heavy for my shoulders.”

Rayvan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania and the middle child in his family of three. His parents practice small-scale farming, growing primarily maize and cassava, to meet their family's needs. Rayvan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Shortly after he started walking, his legs began bowing. Several factors can cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. For Rayvan, this condition has made him less active and affected his confidence. On January 16th, Rayvan will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. This treatment will restore his mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund Rayvan's treatment. Rayan's mother said, "I hope that one day Rayvan won't even remember that he had this conditon making it hard for him to walk properly."