Muhumuza is a 46-year-old builder and father of four, living with his wife and children in Uganda. Because he wasn't formally trained, Muhumuza is usually assigned to the construction of local, semi-permanent houses. However, these jobs are difficult to come by, limiting his ability to earn a steady income. His wife grows food crops on a small scale, on the limited land that they have. Muhumuza went to the doctor because of a swelling just below his right shoulder. He experiences chest pain and paralysis around the site of the swelling. This has hindered his ability to work, as he feels pain whenever he lifts a heavy object. Muhumuza traveled to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, to receive treatment. On February 10th, surgeons at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale, will remove the mass. Now, Muhumuza needs your help to raise $188 to fund this procedure. Muhumuza says: “I expect to get well after being given your support to undergo my surgery, and I hope to continue building in good health."

Myrcayela, a nine year old fifth grader, lives with her parents and five siblings in a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Myrcayela was born with a condition called patent ductus arteriosus. In the womb, a ductus arteriosus is a normal part of a baby's blood flow system. If it doesn't close shortly after birth, however, a hole remains between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. This is what happened with Myrcayela, resulting in oxygen poor blood circulating through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to cover the costs of the surgery that will correct Myrcayela's condition. This life changing procedure, during which doctors will plug the hole with a device to prevent leakage, is scheduled to take place on February 1st, at Clinica Corominas. Myrcayela's mother said: "Our family will pray every day for all the people who are helping our daughter!"

Elias is a 10-month-old baby boy from Kenya, and the first child born in his family. Elias and his parents live in their ancestral home and rely on his grandparents for support, as his mother is a homemaker and his father is still in college. Elias has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Elias has been living with an increasing head circumference since the age of four months. Without treatment, he may experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery to treat Elias' hydrocephalus. The procedure, which will drain excess fluid from Elias' brain and reduce the intracranial pressure, is scheduled to take place on February 22nd at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. With proper treatment, Elias should be able to develop into a strong and healthy young boy. Elias’ mother says: “I am really feeling bad because I have no way of helping him.”