Three year old Tilian is the youngest of the 12 children in his family. They all live in a remote village in the Kiteto Manyara region of Tanzania. The family resides in a communal boma, consisting of small mud houses, which are just enough to accommodate them all. Tilian's parents are small farmers who depend on agriculture and livestock for sustenance and income. However, their region has been plagued by prolonged dry seasons, leading to the death of cattle and reduced harvests. As the sole provider for the family, the father has been compelled to seek day jobs to support them. Unfortunately, his income falls short of meeting the most basic necessities for their family. In September 2022, while Tilian was playing with his friends, he inadvertently came into contact with a stove, and accidentally knocked over a container of hot water. This resulted in Tilian sustaining severe burns to his arms and chest. His injuries were extensive, and Tilian was brought to the nearest dispensary for immediate first aid and wound care. After the initial treatment, Tilian was discharged and sent home with instructions for caring for the wounds, because the dispensary lacked the resources to continue caring for him. The burns on Tilian's hands took more than two months to heal, while the one on his chest required even more time for proper recovery. In March 2023, Tilian was brought to our medical partner's center. The medical team thoroughly assessed his condition, and told his parents about the availability of visiting doctors who specialize in treating similar cases. Initiating a daily wound care regimen, the medical team began to attend to Tilian’s needs. However, Tilian's father struggled to afford the transportation for multiple trips to the center. As a result, the family had to make the difficult decision to leave Tilian at the facility as a resident, while he underwent his wound care, and awaited treatment at the plastic surgery clinic. During a plastic surgery clinic this month, Tilian was evaluated by visiting surgeons. The proposed course of action is surgery to facilitate the healing of the wound on his chest. Additionally, the doctors will need to address the burn scar contractures that have developed, tightening the skin around his arm. His parents are appealing for help to ensure their son receives the proper and necessary treatment for his wounds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tilian receive treatment. On August 15th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enable him to use his hand with ease. With continued care, the wound on his chest will heal completely, preventing any further risk of infection, and allowing Tilian to lead a normal life as he grows. Now, his family needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Tilian’s father says: “We hope for his improvement, which would reduce the concerns about the risk of infection in his wound and allow him to play freely with his friends.”

Dukens is a two-year-old boy from Haiti who has hydrocephalus. He lives with his parents and older brother. Dukens's condition causes excess cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate in his brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Dukens has been experiencing seizures, which can lead to physical and developmental delays if untreated. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Dukens at Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available, and the procedure is scheduled to take place on May 30th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Dukens's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and significantly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Dukens will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. His family hopes for a successful surgery to stop the seizures and allow him to live a long, healthy life.

Joseph is a 71-year-old small-scale farmer. He is married and has nine children, two sons and seven daughters. Farming is the main source of income for Joseph and his wife. Two years ago, Joseph started noticing symptoms that hindered his ability to work, such as lower abdominal pain, vomiting, and a full stomach after eating and pain when lifting. He was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Joseph. On September 5th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Now, he needs help to raise $230 for his procedure and care. Once completed, he will hopefully live more comfortably and confidently. Joseph says, “I hope to get well, have good health and continue with my activities, mostly farming in good health again."