Kelly is a 22-year-old woman from Kenya. She is currently an intern pursuing her studies in media. Her mother is a tailor and her father sadly passed away in 2011. She is the youngest child in a family of three children. Since she was born, Kelly has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles at the belly button. She shared that the hernia has been gradually growing in size and she experiences recurring abdominal pain, especially when exercising. She requires surgery to treat her condition. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Kelly receive treatment. On January 6th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Now, she needs help raising $684 to fund her procedure and care. Kelly shared, “this swelling in the abdomen is causing me lots of discomfort.”

Kimberly is a 5-month-old baby girl. She lives in a small city in central Bolivia with her parents, who work in the mining industry, and three siblings. Kimberly was born with several defects in her heart, including a hole between the two upper chambers as well as a second hole between the two lower chambers. As a result of these conditions, her heart struggles to pump blood through her body. During surgery, doctors will be able to sew these holes shut so that her heart functions well and is stronger. Her surgery is scheduled for January 19th. Fortunately, the organization, Gift of Life International, is subsidizing part of Kimberly's medical care, but her family still needs help to fund the remaining $1,500. Kimberly's mother says, "Our family is very hopeful that this surgery will be a success!"

Anthony, who is 14 years old, lives with his parents and seven siblings in Kenya. His parents make charcoal to earn a living for the family, but their situation has been made more difficult by the inter-communal war in their area, which has forced the family to move on several occasions in order to find safety. Anthony was diagnosed with anorectal malformations at birth. He had surgery to correct the blockage and did well for a few months, but the blockage recurred. He could not pass stool as he had done before, but his parents could not afford to take him back to the hospital. His stomach started to increase in size and has grown over the years. Over time he completely lost the ability to move his bowels and stopped going to school. Late last year the county government social worker heard of Anthony's situation and contacted the family. She was able to finance their transport to the hospital for Anthony to be examined. As a result of the examination, it was determined that Anthony required surgery urgently. Anthony is now scheduled for a colostomy on February 15th at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,152 to cover the costs of this life-saving procedure. Anthony’s Aunt said: “It pains us that Anthony has to go through this. We really hope that he will be treated and go back to school.”