Trizah is an 18-month-old baby girl who is especially playful around her mother. Trizah lives with her parents and three siblings in Kenya, where her mother works as a casual laborer washing clothes, and her father is employed at a welding workshop. Because of the hydrocephalus she was diagnosed with early on, Trizah has already undergone more than three surgeries in her young life. She had a shunt insertion procedure done a few days after her birth, which needed to be revised in May 2022. Her hydrocephalus has worsened, requiring the placement of two external ventricular drains in 2023. Sadly, the revised shunt has failed, and Trizah is now in need of another surgery to have a new shunt inserted to drain the excess fluids in her brain and alleviate the intracranial pressure caused by the fluids. Trizah also needs surgery to stop the convulsions she has been experiencing, and prevent the severe physical and developmental delays that result from untreated hydrocephalus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of the surgery to treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 22nd at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. The excess fluid will be drained from Trizah's brain, reducing the intracranial pressure, and greatly improving her quality of life. With proper treatment, Trizah should develop into a strong and healthy young girl. Trizah’s mother says: “She has been having surgeries since birth. Her head is increasing in size, and she is experiencing scary convulsions. I just hope this treatment will help her to recover.”

Sokhoeun is a 57-year-old grandmother of 16 grandchildren. She lives with her husband, four sons, three daughters, and 16 grandchildren in Kandal province of Cambodia. To help provide for her family she works in the rice fields. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio at home or playing with her grandchildren. About two years ago, Sokhoeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces. Due to her failing eyesight, she is worried about falling when walking, so chooses not to venture out on her own. When Sokhoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for over four hours to seek treatment. The surgeons at CSC created a treatment plan for Sokhoeun to fix her eyesight. On April 24th, surgeons will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. She said, "I hope after surgery I can see well to plant vegetables around my house, help my daughter with housework, and take care of my grandchildren."

Sostine is a 26-year-old waitress. Sostine is the second oldest of 6 children. She lost her parents and three siblings at a young age and could not proceed with her school past grade 6 due to a lack of teachers. She lives alone and works at a local eatery to make ends meet. For two years, Sostine has had an epigastric hernia. She experiences pain and strain when she has to bend or do anything strenuous. She experiences discomfort and pain when she tries to eat a full meal. She came to Nyakibale hospital for care and was recommended surgery as treatment. She appeals for help to undergo surgery. Fortunately, on February 7th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Sostine's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Sostine says, “I wish my health can be brought back to normal so that I can continue with my work and live a better quality of life.”