Shedrack is two years old, and lives in Tanzania with his parents and one sibling. His mother stays at home to care for the children, while his father is a small scale farmer, whose earnings cover the family's basic needs. Five months ago, when Shedrack was in the kitchen with his mother, he pushed over a pot of boiling water, burning his left arm and left leg. Shedrack's mother rushed him to a local dispensary, where they were sent on to the hospital. As the family lives in a remote area, Shedrack's treatment required extensive travel. And, while the burns ultimately healed, Shedrack developed contractures, which limit his ability to straighten his leg, or to use the fingers on his left hand. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Shedrack receive treatment. On October 13th, surgeons at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre will perform burn contracture release surgery, which will enable Shedrack to walk easily, and use his fingers again. Now, he needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Shedrack’s mother says: “The burns were so bad that I thought I was going to lose my son. I am glad that now I am going to be able to help finish his treatment and all thanks to you.”

Davith is a toddler who is not yet old enough to start school, so stays home with relatives while his parents work in a flower factory close to their home. Since birth, Davith has had clinodactyly of his right thumb. This means he was born with a finger that curves to one side. It is typically caused by abnormal growth and development of the small bones of the finger. He cannot flex the joint in his thumb, which makes it difficult to hold or carry objects and hinders his development. His parents took him to a hospital for children and were referred to our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre. His parents would like Davith's hand to be fully functional, and fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre can correct his condition. Now his parents need help with the $487 cost of a contracture release and skin graft of his thumb. With surgery, Davith will be able to hold objects and improve his range of motion with his thumb. The parents shared: "We also hope our son's thumb will look normal after surgery and other children will not make fun of him."

Meet David, a 29-year-old boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) rider from Kenya. He and his wife have two children. David's income supports their family, but he was recently injured in a hit-and-run accident that compromised his mobility. David was driving his boda-boda when he was hit by another car. An x-ray revealed that he fractured his right leg and dislocated his right ankle. David has a cast on his leg and uses crutches to walk. He needs to undergo surgery to heal. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On December 15th, David will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Once he fully recovers from his treatment, David will be able to walk again and take care of his family. AMH is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. David says, "I rely on my legs to ride my motorbike. This is how I feed my family. With this fracture, I am unable to work and provide for them. Therefore, I appeal for your support."