Emily needs her cleft palate surgery. Help raise $3,000 today.

Amigos Internacionales • August 28, 2025
a blue sky with a few clouds in it
A poster for amigos mission in motion shows a girl holding a cup

Emily’s voice is waiting. Help fund her cleft palate surgery today.

Three-year-olds learn the world by tasting, laughing, and calling out names.  Akullu Emily does the same, but every meal hurts. Milk rushes into her nose.
Food triggers coughing. Chest colds follow. Words come out thin and broken.  Her mother, Acipa Ritah, holds her close, wipes her face, and tries again.

Since birth, Emily has lived with an open palate.

 The opening begins at the hard palate and extends through the soft palate.  Dr. Paul Mulyamboga examined her and confirmed what her mother has seen.  Feeding is a struggle. Speech is unclear. Earwax blocks both ears.  Emily was alert during the exam. She had a mild fever and no weight loss. A cleft palate does more than change a smile. It blocks normal feeding.  Children lose suction. Food re-enters the nose. Aspiration risks rise.  Many develop frequent ear infections and hearing problems that slow learning.


Speech suffers because air escapes where tissue should seal sound. ASHAChildren's Health Surgery closes the gap and restores the barrier between mouth and nose.
After repair, children swallow safely and grow stronger with each meal.  Hearing often improves because the palate can move and ventilate the middle ear.
Speech becomes clearer with guided therapy once healing begins. SAGE JournalsPMCASHA


Families in low and middle income countries face the hardest road. Care exists, but cost and distance keep surgery out of reach. The global need remains high, and many children wait for basic treatment. FrontiersPMC  Emily’s mother has searched for help since the first cough and choke. She visited clinics, asked questions, and saved coins. Prices never moved. Today, there is a clear path forward. Our team stands ready to help. We can schedule Emily’s cleft palate repair as soon as we fund it.


Here is our plan for Emily.

 First, we complete preoperative labs and nutrition support.  We clear the impacted earwax and assess hearing.
Next, a skilled surgical team repairs the palate under safe anesthesia.  We monitor for infection, manage pain, and teach feeding techniques.
Finally, we arrange hearing checks and a speech therapy referral.  This pathway protects breathing, hearing, and language during the year ahead. PMCASHA


The cost to change Emily’s life is $3,000.
Your gift covers surgical supplies, anesthesia, hospital fees, medicines, and follow-up. It also supports transport, food, and recovery needs for Emily and her mother.
Every dollar turns into something Emily can feel with the first painless swallow. You can give through Amigos Medical today.
Note “Emily” with your gift so our team routes funds to her surgery.  Our medical camps in Uganda deliver free care to those who need it most.
Your donation moves a date on the calendar from “someday” to “now.” amigosmedical.org

Acipa dreams of simple things.

 A clean meal. A bedtime story without fear of choking.
A little girl who speaks her name with strength and pride.
These are not luxuries. These are the first steps of a full life.


Please help us raise $3,000 for Emily’s cleft palate repair.


Give today. Share this story with a friend who cares.
Pray for Emily, for a safe surgery, and for a clear, bright voice. Learn more about our work and track progress on our medical page. amigosmedical.org

Give now. Restore Emily’s voice.


Give now. Share now.

Goal: $3,000 for Emily’s cleft palate surgery.  Donate through Amigos Medical. Share this post with a friend.  Stand with a mother who has never stopped trying. amigosmedical.org

Learn more about our medical work and camps here.  You will see how care reaches the most remote villages. amigosmedical.org

Thank you for helping Emily eat without pain.
Thank you for helping her speak her name clearly.
Thank you for bringing hope to this family today.


Dentist examining a patient's mouth. Woman in blue scrubs, patient in a white shirt, wooden chair, indoor setting.
By Amigos Internacionales August 28, 2025
Dental care transforms health, learning, and livelihoods in underserved communities. See how Amigos International and Doctors on Mission International expand access through medical camps in Uganda.
By Amigos Internacionales August 20, 2025
Be a Hero: Support Our Medical Outreach and Change Lives in Burundi Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Well, here's your chance! Our upcoming Medical Camp in Burundi is gearing up to make a real difference by bringing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. We're on the lookout for passionate medical professionals and caring volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. Imagine the impact you could have by supporting our medical outreach and offering compassionate care to those who truly need it. Ready to roll up your sleeves and join us? Let's make a change together while spreading hope and joy!## Medical Camp Burundi: Event Details Our Medical Camp in Burundi is set to bring much-needed healthcare to those who need it most. Let's dive into the specifics of this life-changing event. Dates and Location The Medical Camp Burundi is scheduled for August 15-30, 2025. We'll be setting up our base in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. Additionally, we'll be running health education workshops to empower communities with knowledge about preventive care and healthy living practices. Lastly, we'll distribute essential medications and medical supplies to those who need them most, ensuring that the impact of our camp extends beyond the duration of our stay. Targeted Communities Our Medical Camp Burundi aims to reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Bujumbura. We're focusing on rural communities where access to healthcare is severely limited. These areas often lack basic medical facilities and struggle with issues like malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and preventable illnesses. We're also targeting urban slums in Bujumbura, where overcrowding and poor sanitation lead to numerous health challenges. Special attention will be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are often the most affected by lack of healthcare access. By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. Volunteering isn't just about giving - it's also about personal growth. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a real difference in people's lives. Donations and Supplies Needed Can't join us in person? You can still play a vital role in our Medical Camp Burundi through donations and supplies. Financial contributions are always welcome. Your money will go towards purchasing medical equipment, medications, and supplies. It will also help cover logistical costs like transportation and accommodation for our volunteer team. We also need donations of medical supplies. Things like bandages, syringes, gloves, and basic medications are always in high demand. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Non-medical items are needed too. We're looking for donations of hygiene products, reading glasses, and educational materials. These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
By Amigos Internacionales August 8, 2025
Blake Johnes had not seen his daughter in three years.
An advertisement for john lanoue sr. forever fund
By Amigos Internacionales July 9, 2025
A Permanent Endowment to Serve Children, Families, and the Gospel—Forever In a world where needs never stop, we must build solutions that never run dry. That’s the heart behind the John LaNoue Sr. Forever Fund , a permanent endowment hosted by HighGround Advisors and stewarded by Amigos Internacionales . This fund protects its principal forever and uses investment income to fuel long-term impact through water, education, health, and Gospel-centered outreach. This is more than a donation. It’s a legacy. And it’s needed now more than ever.
A woman is kneeling down holding a baby in her lap.
By Amigos Internacionales June 26, 2025
One Surgery. One Child. A Lifetime Transformed 15% of Ugandan children will require surgical care before age 18. Only a fraction ever receive it . Rural children are hit hardest : over 80% of cases are in remote villages. Almost half of surgical needs remain unmet . Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is common. These children suffer feeding challenges, risk of aspiration, chronic ear infections, and speech delay . Malnutrition is rampant : up to 68% of infants with CL/P in Uganda are undernourished; many remain ineligible for surgery due to frail health Untreated consequences : ongoing pain, family isolation, lifelong stigma, lost chances, and even school dropout . Yet the solution exists. Simple, safe surgery can restore wholeness. But time, resources, and access—especially in remote regions—are missing.
A woman is holding a baby in her arms.
By Amigos Internacionales June 19, 2025
Discover why Burundi’s urgent health crisis demands action. Learn how Amigos Internacionales is launching MissionPoint mobile clinics to deliver maternal care, fight disease, and empower rural communities with compassionate, faith-driven outreach.
A man with a bandage on his eye is sitting in a chair.
By Amigos Internacionales June 10, 2025
When we first met John Paul, his world was cloaked in darkness—literally and spiritually. Once a reader and active member of his community, John Paul had lost his vision due to a severe form of cataract that left him completely blind. He came to the Missionpoint Medical Camp in Uganda with a quiet hope, though years of living in darkness had nearly smothered it.
By Amigos Internacionales June 2, 2025
Discover the top African charities to donate to in 2025, led by Amigos Internacionales, empowering Uganda with meals, water, and education.
A man with a bandage on his eye is sitting in a chair.
By Amigos Internacionales May 30, 2025
In the hills of Buhweju District in southwestern Uganda, the world had grown dim for 39-year-old John Paul Taremwa. Blinded in one eye by disease, and slowly losing vision in the other due to a cataract, John Paul lived on the edge of complete darkness. Each day became more difficult—navigating uneven paths, depending on others, feeling the slow erosion of dignity that comes when something as basic and vital as sight begins to slip away. At Amigos Internacionales, we believe that no one should have to live that way. Ours mission has never been about numbers or events—it’s about people like John Paul. We exist to restore hope through healing, to meet both physical and spiritual needs in places the world often forgets.
A woman with a bandage on her eye is smiling
By Amigos Internacionales May 29, 2025
In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
By Amigos Internacionales May 25, 2025
Learn how Amigos Internacionales tackles South Sudan’s water crisis with wells and aid. Join the fight against poverty today!
By Amigos Internacionales May 17, 2025
Discover the top 10 hunger relief charities of 2025, feeding millions in Africa with meals and sustainable solutions.
More Posts

Social Media

Dentist examining a patient's mouth. Woman in blue scrubs, patient in a white shirt, wooden chair, indoor setting.
By Amigos Internacionales August 28, 2025
Dental care transforms health, learning, and livelihoods in underserved communities. See how Amigos International and Doctors on Mission International expand access through medical camps in Uganda.
By Amigos Internacionales August 20, 2025
Be a Hero: Support Our Medical Outreach and Change Lives in Burundi Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Well, here's your chance! Our upcoming Medical Camp in Burundi is gearing up to make a real difference by bringing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. We're on the lookout for passionate medical professionals and caring volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. Imagine the impact you could have by supporting our medical outreach and offering compassionate care to those who truly need it. Ready to roll up your sleeves and join us? Let's make a change together while spreading hope and joy!## Medical Camp Burundi: Event Details Our Medical Camp in Burundi is set to bring much-needed healthcare to those who need it most. Let's dive into the specifics of this life-changing event. Dates and Location The Medical Camp Burundi is scheduled for August 15-30, 2025. We'll be setting up our base in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. Additionally, we'll be running health education workshops to empower communities with knowledge about preventive care and healthy living practices. Lastly, we'll distribute essential medications and medical supplies to those who need them most, ensuring that the impact of our camp extends beyond the duration of our stay. Targeted Communities Our Medical Camp Burundi aims to reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Bujumbura. We're focusing on rural communities where access to healthcare is severely limited. These areas often lack basic medical facilities and struggle with issues like malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and preventable illnesses. We're also targeting urban slums in Bujumbura, where overcrowding and poor sanitation lead to numerous health challenges. Special attention will be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are often the most affected by lack of healthcare access. By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. Volunteering isn't just about giving - it's also about personal growth. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a real difference in people's lives. Donations and Supplies Needed Can't join us in person? You can still play a vital role in our Medical Camp Burundi through donations and supplies. Financial contributions are always welcome. Your money will go towards purchasing medical equipment, medications, and supplies. It will also help cover logistical costs like transportation and accommodation for our volunteer team. We also need donations of medical supplies. Things like bandages, syringes, gloves, and basic medications are always in high demand. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Non-medical items are needed too. We're looking for donations of hygiene products, reading glasses, and educational materials. These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
By Amigos Internacionales August 8, 2025
Blake Johnes had not seen his daughter in three years.
An advertisement for john lanoue sr. forever fund
By Amigos Internacionales July 9, 2025
A Permanent Endowment to Serve Children, Families, and the Gospel—Forever In a world where needs never stop, we must build solutions that never run dry. That’s the heart behind the John LaNoue Sr. Forever Fund , a permanent endowment hosted by HighGround Advisors and stewarded by Amigos Internacionales . This fund protects its principal forever and uses investment income to fuel long-term impact through water, education, health, and Gospel-centered outreach. This is more than a donation. It’s a legacy. And it’s needed now more than ever.
A woman is kneeling down holding a baby in her lap.
By Amigos Internacionales June 26, 2025
One Surgery. One Child. A Lifetime Transformed 15% of Ugandan children will require surgical care before age 18. Only a fraction ever receive it . Rural children are hit hardest : over 80% of cases are in remote villages. Almost half of surgical needs remain unmet . Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is common. These children suffer feeding challenges, risk of aspiration, chronic ear infections, and speech delay . Malnutrition is rampant : up to 68% of infants with CL/P in Uganda are undernourished; many remain ineligible for surgery due to frail health Untreated consequences : ongoing pain, family isolation, lifelong stigma, lost chances, and even school dropout . Yet the solution exists. Simple, safe surgery can restore wholeness. But time, resources, and access—especially in remote regions—are missing.
A woman is holding a baby in her arms.
By Amigos Internacionales June 19, 2025
Discover why Burundi’s urgent health crisis demands action. Learn how Amigos Internacionales is launching MissionPoint mobile clinics to deliver maternal care, fight disease, and empower rural communities with compassionate, faith-driven outreach.
A man with a bandage on his eye is sitting in a chair.
By Amigos Internacionales June 10, 2025
When we first met John Paul, his world was cloaked in darkness—literally and spiritually. Once a reader and active member of his community, John Paul had lost his vision due to a severe form of cataract that left him completely blind. He came to the Missionpoint Medical Camp in Uganda with a quiet hope, though years of living in darkness had nearly smothered it.
By Amigos Internacionales June 2, 2025
Discover the top African charities to donate to in 2025, led by Amigos Internacionales, empowering Uganda with meals, water, and education.
A man with a bandage on his eye is sitting in a chair.
By Amigos Internacionales May 30, 2025
In the hills of Buhweju District in southwestern Uganda, the world had grown dim for 39-year-old John Paul Taremwa. Blinded in one eye by disease, and slowly losing vision in the other due to a cataract, John Paul lived on the edge of complete darkness. Each day became more difficult—navigating uneven paths, depending on others, feeling the slow erosion of dignity that comes when something as basic and vital as sight begins to slip away. At Amigos Internacionales, we believe that no one should have to live that way. Ours mission has never been about numbers or events—it’s about people like John Paul. We exist to restore hope through healing, to meet both physical and spiritual needs in places the world often forgets.
A woman with a bandage on her eye is smiling
By Amigos Internacionales May 29, 2025
In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
By Amigos Internacionales May 25, 2025
Learn how Amigos Internacionales tackles South Sudan’s water crisis with wells and aid. Join the fight against poverty today!
By Amigos Internacionales May 17, 2025
Discover the top 10 hunger relief charities of 2025, feeding millions in Africa with meals and sustainable solutions.
By Amigos Internacionales May 11, 2025
Discover surprising benefits of donating to charity. Learn how giving transforms your life and explore impactful work by Amigos Internacionales.
By Amigos Internacionales May 1, 2025
Explore the top 10 countries with the highest poverty rate in the world in 2025.
Two children are sitting on the ground eating food.
By Amigos Internacionales May 1, 2025
Learn about the crisis of hungry kids in Africa, its causes, & how to help. Support organizations making a difference and find out how you can contribute.
A woman is holding a purple dress with a label that says nomada
By Alicia Guerra April 29, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously contributed to launch our sewing classes in Uganda! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ Because of your compassion, what began as a vision has become a life-changing opportunity for individuals and families in our community. ๐Ÿงตโœจ
By Amigos Internacionales April 27, 2025
A Legacy of Compassion and Service Dr. John LaNoue, affectionately known as "Dr. John," dedicated over six decades to global medical missions and disaster relief. His pioneering efforts, including designing the first mobile kitchen in an 18-wheeler container, have been instrumental in providing aid to countless individuals worldwide . In recognition of his unwavering commitment, Amigos Internacionales is establishing the Dr. John LaNoue Medical Clinic in Ogul Village, Northern Uganda.โ€‹ https://amigosii.org
By Amigos Internacionales April 26, 2025
Discover how food insecurity impacts children's health, growth, and education. Learn about the devastating effects of child hunger.
By Amigos Internacionales April 20, 2025
Discover the top 10 poorest African countries in 2025 and how your support through Amigos can bring lasting hope & transformation.
By Amigos Internacionales April 20, 2025
Discover the causes of food insecurity in 2025, their devastating effects on communities, and sustainable solutions for change.
Show More