Ben is an 11-year-old boy from Ndenderu in Kiambu County. He is the middle child amongst his two siblings. He is in class six and performs well in school. His mother washes clothes for neighbours, while his father does casual welding work. Ben has been feeling good lately, but his mother noted he was a bit reserved, as if something was bothering him. When asked, Ben told his mother that he could not feel one of his testicles. Since Ben's brother, Finley, was assisted by SAFE in 2024, his parents decided to bring him to Nazareth for further evaluation. He underwent an ultrasound that confirmed the undescended right testis. The surgeon advised surgery, but the family is unable to meet the cost and needs help. If not treated, the condition may create low self-esteem in Ben when he compares himself with other boys, affecting his education and friendships. At Nazareth, Ben was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Ben has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Ben will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 16th. AMH is requesting $483 to cover the total cost of Ben's procedure and care. His parents are hopeful that the SAFE program will be as impactful for Ben as it was for Finley. "I appreciate those who supported my other son, Finley. I am also confident that someone will be touched to help Ben so that he can be well to continue with his education and normal life," said Ben's mother.

MongKol is a nine-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. His father is a grocery seller and his mother is a rice farmer. He has one older brother, who is currently studying at university. MongKol does not attend school due to verbal communication challenges associated with autism. His favorite meal is fish sour soup, and in his free time, he enjoys playing with toy cars. One month ago, MongKol had an ear infection that caused an abnormal skin growth to develop in his left ear. Since then, he has experienced ear pain, hearing loss, and bloody discharge. This condition makes it difficult for him to hear voices, which affects his ability to communicate, play, and interact with others. Thankfully, MongKol and his family have traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On April 1st, surgeons will remove the growth from his ear. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $477 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. MongKol's mother shared, “After the surgery, I pray that my dear son will be free from the constant pain and discharge in his ear, and that he can live happily without discomfort.”

Ayami is a 67-year-old father of eight children from Malawi. Four of his children are casual workers, while the rest are school-going. Ayami is a carpenter; however, due to his worsening condition, he has been unable to engage in work, leading to a significant reduction in his daily income. For three years, Ayami has had bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. At first, the condition was characterized by small intermittent swellings. Over time, however, the frequency of these swelling episodes increased and were accompanied by pain. About five months ago, Ayami sought medical attention and was scheduled for surgical repair. However, his scheduled date of surgery kept changing due to the workload at the public hospital, and Ayami was advised to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH). Upon review at PIH, his diagnosis was confirmed and surgery was recommended. Ayami firmly believes that surgical intervention will restore his health, comfort, and dignity. He hopes that successful surgery will allow him to live the remaining years of his life in peace and good health alongside his children and grandchildren. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ayami receive treatment. On May 6th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery, allowing him to live a healthier life. Ayami is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $667 to fund the surgery. He says: "I can't wait to be better after surgery. I have hope that your support will change my life, and help me to concentrate on my work so I can continue supporting my family."