Getrude is a 66-year-old humble and soft-spoken woman. She is married and the mother of eight children - five boys, and three girls. Her eldest son is a truck driver, two of her sons are in the bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) business, and the remaining two sons are farmers. Her daughters are all married and are local farmers. Getrude managed to study up to the primary level and now earns a living through her small banana and coffee plantation. Unfortunately, her husband is unable to work due to issues with diabetes and hypertension. Getrude was brought in by her daughter, who reported that she had been experiencing a protruding mass, backaches, and lower abdominal pain for the past six months. Her symptoms are exacerbated by lifting heavy objects or walking long distances. After examination by a doctor at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), she was diagnosed with uterine prolapse with an anterior cystocele. Fortunately, surgeons at AMH are able to help and have recommended that Gertrude undergo a hysterectomy and surgery to help relieve the pain she is experiencing in her abdomen, which will cost $243. Gertrude and her family are hopeful that this procedure will help relieve her pain, and that she will have no more problems. She shared “I am going through a lot of pain, I can do nothing at home, but I hope with surgery, I will get better.”

Shurem is an 8-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the third born in a family of four children. His mother is a housewife while his father is a casual laborer who herds cattle for people in his community. However, the ongoing drought in the region has made it difficult for him to find work. The family is unable to raise the required funds to pay for medical expenses. Shurem has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Shurem has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. When Shurem was two years old, he started experiencing fevers which were managed with medication. A few days later, his parents started to notice his head was increasing in size. Despite a review from the hospital and the administration of medication, his condition only became worse, and he stopped walking. Late last year the community referred his family to BethanyKids first mobile clinic in their hometown Garissa County, as they had stopped seeking treatment for Shurem for a few years. The mobile clinic referred Shurem to BethanyKids, where he was examined and diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Without treatment, Shurem will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Shurem that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 9th and will drain the excess fluid from Shurem's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Shurem will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Shurem’s father says, “I feel very bad for my son as I cannot help him in any way. I want him to be well and back in good health.”

John is a toddler boy from Kenya who is the second-born in a family of three children. His parents separated a while back, and he and his siblings now live at their ancestral home with their mother. John’s mother works around the community, such as tending to farm animals for her neighbors. John's grandparents also help support the young family. Since last year, John has been experiencing pain and discomfort caused by a right inguinal hernia. Although he was a playful boy, John has not been able to be as active as he was before the hernia. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery with the support of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $585 to help fund John's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. John’s mother said, “Since last year, I have been stressed as I had no idea what to do. I’m hopeful that he will be treated.”