Lekiberu is a four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is active, sociable, and loves being around people. He enjoys watching other children, learning spelling, and playing with his sister. He is very attached to people and loves spending time with others. Lekiberu lives with his parents, aunt, and sister in a rented house. His mother sells vegetables to support the family, while his father works as a daily laborer in construction. Lekiberu was born prematurely at seven months because his mother was seriously ill during pregnancy due to a blood-related condition. When Lekiberu turned four years old, he started losing his appetite. His mother first visited a pharmacy, where the pharmacist advised her to take him to a private hospital. At the hospital, the doctor examined Lekiberu, explained his condition, and prescribed supplements. His family became anxious, frustrated, and heartbroken because they could not afford surgery at a private hospital. After returning home, Lekiberu’s mother asked relatives for advice about his condition. They suggested taking him to our facility, BethanyKids. At first, she could not believe the service was real because of their difficult financial situation. However, they later visited, where Lekiberu was examined, and his condition was confirmed. Lekiberu was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Lekiberu has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. The medical team also discovered that he had low iron levels and was underweight, so his surgery was postponed for two months while he received treatment and nutritional support. Now, Lekiberu’s hemoglobin and iron levels are in good condition, and his health has improved. His mother shared, “My spirit also became better and relieved after coming to BethanyKids.” Lekiberu will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on May 29th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Lekiberu’s mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “I have no words to express my feelings. People may not understand the situation we went through, but God knows everything. God bless you all, and glory to God. I know you sacrificed so much for Lekiberu, and I thank God for using you to support and help our family.”

Oun is A 77-year-old farmer from Cambodia. She previously planted corn and beans. She is divorced and has three daughters and seven grandchildren. She lives with her oldest daughter, who works as a construction laborer. In her free time, she enjoys going to the pagoda and joining religious ceremonies. Oun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Oun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 5th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure and care. Oun said, "I hope that after the eye surgery, my vision will improve so she can move around more easily, take care of my grandchildren, and help my daughter with housework. I also wish to be able to go to the pagoda and participate in ceremonies at places that are farther from my home."

Mateo is a toddler from Bolivia. He is his parents' first child. He lives with his mom, who is a homemaker, and his dad, who works distributing soda. When he was born prematurely at 30 weeks, Mateo had to be in an incubator where doctors detected his heart condition. Mateo has a cardiac condition called tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), a combination of four heart conditions, including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Mateo does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 6th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow more normally. Mateo's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Mateo's mother shared, "I'm grateful my child is going to receive his surgery so he can grow and be a healthy boy."