Abnet, a precious 9-month-old baby girl from Ethiopia, has captured our hearts with her beauty and spirit. She is the only child of her young 20-year-old parents. Her father works alongside his own father as a coffee farmer, while her mother lovingly tends to their home. Despite not having had the opportunity for formal education, they pour their efforts into providing for their family through the limited farming they do, though it yields barely enough to sustain them. From the very beginning, Abnet's parents demonstrated their determination to seek medical care for their daughter, even in the face of financial challenges. Abnet was born with a congenital anorectal malformation, a condition that disrupts bowel function due to a partial or complete blockage of the intestines. In order to alleviate her suffering and restore her health, she must undergo a series of intricate procedures. Their family initially went to a government hospital, where they were referred to another medical facility. Sadly, their hopes were dashed as they were asked to return two years later. Recognizing the worsening state of Abnet's health, they reached out to a local social worker, sharing their child's condition. Fortunately, the social worker was able to introduce them to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Abnet underwent a thorough evaluation leading to a recommendation for the necessary surgery. Abnet is now scheduled for surgery on August 15th. AMH is requesting $1500 to help fund her procedure. Following her successful recovery, Abnet will be a healthy little girl, able to resume normal activities. Abnet's mother shared, "When we first learned of our daughter's condition, a sense of worry and helplessness engulfed us. The path forward seemed uncertain and daunting. Despite the challenges we faced, we relentlessly pursued treatment for our beloved child. Though previous avenues turned us away, the administrative office introduced us to this lifeline of support. We embraced it with hope, and it has brought us to this moment, filled with gratitude and anticipation."

Justine, who is 37 years old, is a married man with three children in primary school. He is a laborer, who works with his wife on peoples’ farms to earn a living and to provide for their children. For over 20 years, Justine has been living with a large tumor located on his left cheek. While it started out small, it has continued to increase in size over the years. While he remains relatively symptom free, Justine is uncomfortable when he is out in public. Justine finally visited a facility for treatment, where a fine needle aspiration was performed, to determine whether or not the growth was malignant. The results indicated that the mass was benign, and doctors scheduled a procedure to excise it. However, as Justine didn't have sufficient funds to cover the costs of his treatment, he turned to herbal medicine for help. This has only worsened the tumor. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $1,196 to pay for Justine's mass excision, which is scheduled to take place on October 12th, at AIC Kapsowar Hospital. Once the tumor has been removed, Justine's self esteem will be restored, and he will be able to lead a more comfortable life. Justine says: “I have been uncomfortable and without confidence for over twenty years. Please help me so that I may have a normal face and be able to carry out tasks that will help me provide for my family.”

Maung is a 62-year-old grandfather who lives with his family in a village in the conflict areas of Karen State, Burma. His wife is retired and his daughter is a mother to his three grandchildren who are in nursery school. Maung is a day laborer on a farm, and his son-in-law is a carpenter. However, their combined income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, and they have to borrow money to buy food. In his free time, Maung loves to play with his grandchildren. Two years ago, Maung started to notice pain around his lower abdomen on the right side of his body. He took medicine he received from a local healer. The medicine worked for a while and managed to feel better. However, a few weeks ago, while Maung was working on the farm, the pain came back. He went to the healer but this time his condition did not improve. Two days after the pain arrived, his lower abdomen started to swell. The area has increased in swelling and when he walks he experiences a burning pain. If he coughs or sneezes, the swollen area increases and causes more pain. Maung had decided against going to a clinic or hospital due to his family's financial situation. Fortunately, Maung arrived at the care center of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), where he will be able to receive treatment. The doctor quickly diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia and told him that he needs surgery as soon as possible and scheduled his procedure for June 7th. BCMF is requesting $828 to help fund this procedure to heal his condition. Maung said, "Thank you very much to all the donors and BCMF for helping me to receive treatment. I will not be able to have treatment without your support. My income is not even enough for my family and I always have to borrow money to meet the end of the month. If I have to get treatment by myself, the only way I will have to choose is to suffer as I cannot afford it."

Judy is a 30-year-old hair salonist from Kenya. She is the second wife of Stanley, a truck driver, and together they have two children. Stanley has seven children with his first wife, and Judy is the primary provider for her children. Judy was on her way to visit with her parents for a few days when she fell into a roadside ditch. She was carried to the hospital where an X-ray confirmed her left fibula was fractured. Surgery to repair the bone is necessary. Judy's children said they are concerned about their mother, and worried about who will bring food to the table while their mum is hospitalized. Surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On August 17th, Judy will undergo an open reduction and internal fixation to repair the fracture. This treatment will help her get back on her feet and continue providing for her beloved children. AMH is requesting $1145 to fund this procedure. Judy says, "I have never been hospitalized before. This is a hard experience for me. Look how my children are worried about me. I have hope that I will be out of the hospital soon.”

Mon is a 40-year-old mother from Thailand. She lives with her husband and son in a small village. She is a seamstress while her husband is unemployed. Her son goes to nursery school. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her son and riding bikes with him. Since 2015, Mon has been experiencing pain in the right side of her abdomen. She has been diagnosed with uterine myoma. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Mon's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Mon is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on July 19th. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCM) is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, she will no longer experience pain. She said, “I was depressed when I learned I have to undergo surgery, but my husband comforted me and encouraged me to continue seeking medical treatment so I will feel better.”

Japhet is a baby and the last born in a family of five children living in Ngorongoro, Tanzania. His father works as a livestock keeper and farmer, cultivating crops for sustenance while selling part of the harvested produce to meet household expenses. Meanwhile, Japhet's mother fulfills the role of a homemaker, taking care of the children and managing house and family. Despite the father's efforts to provide for the family, there are difficulties in affording education and healthcare for their children, leading to their reliance on traditional remedies for medical treatment. Japhet was born with clubfoot, a condition where the foot is twisted out of shape, causing difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. This situation concerns his parents as they contemplate their child's future. While attending church, they received information about visiting specialists organizing a clinic specifically for children with treatable disabilities. Japhet's mother was able to attend the clinic, feeling relieved upon hearing about potential treatment options. With the church's assistance, transportation was arranged for them to travel to the hospital, and they arrived at our medical partner's center, where they were warmly welcomed. After assessing Japhet, he was diagnosed with clubfoot, specifically in his left foot. He will undergo manipulation and casting to gradually correct the foot's angle, followed by a tenotomy surgery to heal his condition. Thankfully, on June 16th, skilled surgeons at our medical partner, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, will perform clubfoot repair surgery. African Mission Healthcare is seeking $935 in funding to cover the costs associated with Japhet's treatment. This procedure will significantly improve Japhet's prospects for a better future. Japhet's mother says, "I hope my child will have the best treatment, and this treatment will make his future life better."