Dessonlove is a nine month old infant boy from Haiti. He is the youngest child in a large family. Dessonlove 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, Dessonlove has been experiencing a persistent growth in the circumference of his head. Without treatment, Dessonlove will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Dessonlove, at Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in the country where hydrocephalus care and treatment are currently available. This critical procedure is scheduled to take place on March 30th, when surgeons will drain the excess fluid from Dessonlove's brain to reduce intracranial pressure, and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Dessonlove should develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Dessonlove's family is hopeful and looking forward to their child being able to grow and thrive with this care.

Salong is a 15-year-old student from Cambodia. He is in 6th grade and has a younger brother in 2nd grade. His father works in construction, and his mother works in a clothing factory nearby. Salong enjoys studying math and would like to be an engineer when he is older. His favorite food is beef lok lak, and he enjoys playing football with his friends when he is not at school. Eight months ago, Salong developed a lump in the space behind his right knee joint (called the posterior popliteal fossa). The mass has continued growing, and he is experiencing pain, redness, and swelling. Consequently, Salong cannot play football with his friends and sometimes does not want to attend school. His family brought him to our medical partner’s care center for treatment. On April 24th, surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. CSC is requesting $273 to fund this procedure. Salong’s family contributed $100 to his care. His mother said: “We are worried about this lump behind Salong’s knee. After surgery, we hope that the lump and his pain will be gone.”

Sephania is a baby from Simanjiro, Arusha in Tanzania. He lives among the Maasai people. He comes from a large family of six siblings, raised by a single mother. His father died shortly after he was born, and his mother depends on her brothers, who are cattle breeders. They help provide basic needs for the family since his mother does not work and has no means to earn a living. Sephania was born with both his legs twisted inward and downward. His mother was informed that there was treatment for the condition. She could not afford transport money at the time and had to wait for almost 2 years before she was able to collect enough money to travel to a medical center. She arrived at our center with an escort, who helped her translate as she only speaks Maasai. After a brief assessment with our team, we set up a treatment plan for Sephania, starting with a series of castings. Sephania has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Sephania traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on May 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Sephania's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Sephania’s mother says, "It has taken a while to be able to come for treatment. I hope my son will get treatment that will help with his foot’s condition."