Meet Gianna, a lovely, four year old girl from Kenya. Gianna lives with her grandmother, while her mother works at a local hotel, and her father is a casual laborer on construction sites. Gianna was born with Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. A child born with this condition has soft bones that break easily. Gianna has never walked, and lives in near constant pain. When she did try to walk using support, she fractured some bones. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is here to help Gianna access the care that she needs. On January 16th Gianna will undergo a procedure at AIC Cure International Hospital, that will provide greater support for Gianna's bones, and which may even enable her to gain sufficient strength to walk. Gianna's family is seeking your support to fund the $1,224 needed to pay for the surgery. Gianna's grandmother said: "Gianna has never walked, and my desire is to see her walk like other children. Your financial support to help her undergo surgery will be greatly appreciated."

Fred is an elderly man from Uganda. He is married and has four sons and four daughters. He has a small banana and coffee plantation that he operates with his wife, although he is currently not involved very much due to his health condition. He also has a history of asthma, but has been able to manage it well with medication. Fred loves music and is a choirmaster at his church. For the past three years, Fred has had a hydrocele, a swelling in a sensitive area. This hydrocele causes him pain while walking and going about his day-to-day tasks. After an examination at Nyakibale Hospital, the doctor recommended surgery. Fortunately, on February 7th, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $146 to fund Fred's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Fred says, “It will really be a blessing and I will surely be humbled seeing my health restored because with this condition, I have really passed through a lot of pain.”

Kanitha is a bright, 13 year old seventh grade student, living in Phnom Penh with her parents and two siblings. Her father stays home to care for the children, while her mother works as a chef. In her free time, Kanitha enjoys reading books and helping her father do housework. At school, mathematics is her favorite subject, and she aspires to be a teacher in the future. For the past two years, Kanitha has been experiencing sore throats and difficulty swallowing. She often feels tenderness in her throat, accompanied by a high fever. Her parents took her for treatment at a local hospital, where she was given antibiotics. Despite the medications, Kanitha continues to have frequent infections. She was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and to intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Kanitha. This procedure is scheduled to take place on January 17th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Surgeons will remove Kanitha's tonsils and adenoids, which should relieve her of her symptoms, allowing her to live a healthier and more comfortable life. Kanitha's parents said: "We hope after her operation, her throat will get better, and she can eat and breathe easily."

Phearun is a 33-years-old gardener. His wife works in a hair and nail salon. Together they have an eight-year-old son in public school and a two-year-old son who stays home with family. In October 2022, his left wrist was deeply lacerated, and he lost sensation in his fingers. His family took him to a government hospital for care but was unable to manage the nerve injury. Fortunately, the hospital transferred him to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, where doctors determined the laceration to his hand cut his nerves and tendons. This type of injury can cause damage to the nerves that control motor function and requires immediate nerve repair surgery to minimize long-term damage. Phearun has pain, weakness, numbness, loss of feeling, and doctors are unable to feel the pulses in his wrist. Phearun traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. He will undergo an exploratory procedure to repair the lacerated nerves and tendons and needs help to pay for the $572 procedure. This will cover his hospitalization, operation, medications, and post-operative rehabilitation. Phearun's wife said: "We are hopeful after the surgery that my husband can use his hand again to work to support and feed our family."

Buntha is a 67-year-old vegetable farmer and vendor from Cambodia. He is married with three sons, three daughters, and two grandchildren. His wife sells their onions and other produce at the local market. At home, Buntha likes to watch the news on TV. A year ago, Buntha developed a cataract in his left eye, causing photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. Due to his impaired vision, it is hard for Buntha to drive his tractor to get his onions to the market. He also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places on his own. When Buntha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 24th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly again. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Buntha said, "After surgery, I hope I will see better, so I can sell my vegetables and drive my tractor safely. It is hard on my wife when I am not able to help her at the market."

Sokchan is a 14-year-old girl and the oldest child in her family. She is older sister to one brother and two sisters. Sokchan's mom is a fish-seller at their local market and her dad is a police officer. At home, Sokchan enjoys reading and researching recipes while learning to cook with her mom. Her favorite meal is fish and vegetables. At school, Sokchan's favorite subject is Cambodian history. When she grows up, she wants to be a police officer just like her dad. Four years ago, Sokchan developed a nasal obstruction that led to runny noses, frequent sneezing, difficulty breathing, and headaches. Because of this, she has missed several days of school. Sokchan and her family visited our medical parter Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. On January 18th, the surgeons at CSC will perform bilateral nasal polypectomy to help alleviate Sokchan's symptoms. Sokchan's family has raised $74 toward the cost of the procedure, and CSC is seeking support for the remaining $397. Sokchan's mother shared, "I hope after surgery, Sokchan will feel better and won't miss any more school."

Sebone is an intelligent and sociable 12 year old boy, living in Ethiopia. Since leaving school some years ago due to his health condition, Sebone has worked as a shepherd. He has a brother and a sister, and he and his siblings have grown up with his paternal grandmother, who is a farmer. Sebone has been living with a bilateral inguinal hernia, since birth. This hernia causes him pain and discomfort, especially when he is bending over or lifting something. In order to correct his condition, Sebone needs surgery, which his grandmother cannot afford to pay for. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, will be able to help Sebone and his family. On November 1st, Sebone will undergo hernia repair surgery at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre, which should enable him to live a more comfortable life, and to return to school. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is seeking your help to fund this procedure, which will cost $591. Sebone's uncle shared: “After the treatment, I believe he will get better and go to school. I hope he will be educated and become a social servant like you.”

Irine is a hardworking 76-year-old grandmother and widow from Kenya. She lives in a semi-permanent house and works as a small-scale farmer, growing food to feed herself. She receives other basic necessities from her children. Irine's home is located in an area with many hills, which become very slippery when it rains. One rainy day, Irine was doing her daily duties when she unfortunately slipped and fell. As she fell on the side of her hip, the load she was carrying also fell on top of her. She could not get up or move due to her right lower limb being in pain. Since she was home alone, she had to shout for help, and a neighbor eventually came to her rescue. A family member later took her to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fracture of her right femur. Irene currently experiences pain and is unable to use her leg. Although she was previously among the beneficiaries who received health insurance paid for by the government, the government eventually stopped providing payment. This meant Irine had to pay for her own monthly bill, a cost she could not provide. Due to financial constraints and not having insurance, Irine cannot fund her needed treatment. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On August 2nd, Irine will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. After the surgery, she will hopefully be able to walk and care for herself again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,247 to fund this procedure. Irine says, "I know how my children struggle to earn a living. Kindly help me so that I may not be a burden to them.”

Saw Hsar is a 21-year-old man who lives with his mother, stepfather, and sister in a refugee camp in Hong Son Province. He used to live with his father in Burma, but he moved back to live with his mother in 2018 and hoped to receive treatment for an eye injury. His stepfather is a homemaker, while his mother weaves traditional Karen sarongs to sell. Saw Hsar stopped studying after he graduated from grade four, when he injured his eye. Currently, he is unemployed. In 2018, Saw Hsar began to experience blurry vision, and an inability to clearly see the objects around him. While he is comfortable moving around in his home, he needs someone with him when he leaves home, as he is afraid of tripping over unseen objects in his way, given his increasing inability to see clearly. Saw Hsar was diagnosed with a detached retina, which means that his retina has pulled away from the supporting tissue in his eye. Without the proper treatment, Saw Hsar could completely lose the vision in his eye. Saw Hsar is scheduled to undergo surgery to reattach his retina on September 3rd, at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Saw Hsar's procedure and care. After surgery, Saw Hsar's vision will hopefully be restored, and he will be able to resume his daily activities without his current limitations. He said, “I would like to see clearly like before. In the future, I will find a job and earn a living. I want to grow rice or vegetables on a farm, save money and support my family.”

Emanuel is a strong 15-year-old and the third born in his family of eight. Emanuel completed his primary education two years ago, however was not able to proceed to secondary school due to the high cost for his family. Emanuel's parents work as small-scale sustenance farmers who grow maize and vegetables. His father also fishes from nearby Lake Victoria to earn an income. Emanuel has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a congenital muskuloskeletal condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. As a result, Emanuel experiences difficulty walking, running, and wearing shoes. Fortunately, Emanuel traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, where surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on June 17th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Emanuel's surgery. After treatment, Emanuel will be able to walk with ease and lead a normal life. Emanuel’s grandmother says, “When I saw my grandson’s foot I knew it could be treated as I have seen others treated. I need your support for him treated too.”

Son is a 21-year-old mother of two. She and her husband have two sons - one is four years old and the other is one year old. Both she and her husband are construction workers. When not working outside on construction sites, she is a busy mother caring and cooking for her active children. Four months ago, on the way home from work, Son was in a motor vehicle collision. She injured her left shoulder and received a hard blow to the face, fracturing her left orbital bones. Her family took her to a government hospital to repair the bones surrounding her eye. The traumatic injury also damaged the muscle and nerve function of her shoulder, which was not repaired. This is a devastating injury for their young family, as it can cause a significant loss of function and ability to perform tasks of daily living. Son has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She has pain and is unable to lift her left arm. She cannot work in construction or manage her household, which has also been very hard for her husband. Son traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On October 17th, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she hopes that her arm will be functional and she can work, do housework, and care for her children. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. She says: "After surgery, I hope I can use my left arm. This treatment will help me in the future to return to work."

John is a 38 year old father of two, living in Kenya. He is separated from his wife, and works as a taxi driver. For ten years, John has experienced difficulty swallowing food and liquid. He tried to treat his condition with traditional medicines, but that has been unsuccessful. When his condition worsened and he found himself losing weight, John decided to meet with doctors from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. He was diagnosed with Achalasia, which is usually the result of damage to the esophagus. In order to prevent his condition from progressing, John will require surgery. Thanks to the assistance of our medical partner, John will undergo a curative laparotomy on October 17th, at AIC Kijabe Hospital, which should restore his ability to swallow, and return him to good health. John is requesting your support to fund this procedure, which will cost $1,074. John says: “My neck is paining, and I am unable to swallow solid foods. I have seriously lost a lot of weight. I need this treatment to be able to eat and be well again.”