Collins is a handsome, two-year-old boy living in Roysambu, Kenya, with his parents and two siblings. Collins' mother is a housewife while his father works as a driver. In June 2022, Collins was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both testicles remains undescended. Surgery was performed in July 2022, but about a month ago, Collins' mother noticed that his testis had retreated into his groin again. The surgeon ordered a repeat orchidopexy- corrective surgery- which the family cannot afford and the NHIF has refused to pay for. They have been told that without surgery, Collins has an increased risk of developing hernias and testicular cancer, as well as experiencing fertility issues in the future. Fortunately, Collins will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. He is now scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 20th at Nazareth Hospital. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $483 to cover the total cost of Collins' procedure and care. “I am disappointed NHIF could not help us; I still hope that my baby is treated soon since I was explained the risks. We ask for your support so that he can get back to his normal growth like other boys,” said Collins' mother

Caroline is a 32-year-old Ugandan woman who lives with her husband in their two-roomed semi-permanent house. Caroline and her husband are small-scale farmers. For four years, Caroline has been having a backache which she has tried to mediate with medication. However, the pain has been persistent, thus she visited Nyakibale hospital to get a diagnosis. The surgeon suspected a mass and ordered a scan which confirmed the condition. The surgeon recommended she receive a curative laparotomy, a surgery where an incision is made in the abdomen to look into the abdominal cavity and treat necessary health conditions. On February 9th, Caroline will undergo surgery at the Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Carolina needs help raising $242 to fund her surgery and care. Caroline says “I will praise God and live to remember the day my health will be been brought back. I will live for better health as I resume my farming and strengthen my marriage hoping to deliver at one time.”

Six-year-old Tay lives with her mother, sister, and brother in a village in Shan State in Burma. Tay's mother is a teacher. When Tay was three years old, she was frequently ill with a rapid heartbeat and fingertips that would turn blue. Her mother brought her to a nearby hospital, where the doctor told them that Tay had congenital heart disease and would need to be treated in Yangon. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tay's mother did not feel it was safe to take Tay to Yangon. When she turned five, Tay's symptoms worsened, and her mother brought her to a hospital in Yangon in August 2022. At the hospital, Tay was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, and her mother was told that Tay would require surgery- which the family could not afford to pay for. Fortunately, Tay's aunt referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, for help. Now Tay is scheduled to undergo atrial septal defect closure at Pun Hlaing Hospital on May 13th. As Tay is becoming progressively more ill- with episodes of rapid breathing and weight loss due to a lack of appetite- this procedure is critical for her health and well-being. Burma Children Medical Fund is seeking $1,500 to cover the cost of Tay's care. “When I learned that my daughter [Tay] needs surgery, I felt very sad and I cried because I cannot afford to pay for her surgery. But when I learned that the organization [BCMF] will support the cost of my daughter’s surgery, I felt very happy and thankful to all the donors and that organization. I want to see her healthy,” said Tay's mother.