Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"

Chelangat is the youngest of 6 children in her family and is currently in 1st grade. Her mother is a local roadside vendor selling vegetables and other seasonal groceries in her small village to meet her children’s basic needs. Her father is a young farmer growing maize and beans which are seasonal crops. Her siblings are all currently in primary school. Chelangat was brought into Kapsowar Hospital by her mother and her cousin with complaints of pain in her right elbow, and progressive swelling. Chelangat's mother reports that on January 31st, 2024, Chelangat fell at school, injuring her elbow. She was then taken to a nearby health center twice where she was given painkillers and both times was discharged back home, although the pain kept persisting. Her family decided to come to Kapsowar Hospital for further treatment. An X-ray was done which revealed that she had a displaced upper arm fracture and developed compartment syndrome, which causes pain and could cause nerve damage. She was then put in a skin traction and the arm was elevated to help decrease the swelling as she awaits surgery. Chelangat needs to undergo surgery on her elbow so that she can be able to go back to school and continue with her studies. The surgery costs $679 and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting funds to support this surgery. Chelangat's mother says, “My daughter is in a lot of pain, please help her so that she gets better and joins her classmates to continue with her studies.”

Mariam is a newborn baby in a family of two. Mariam's parents are farmers who work diligently on their farm to provide food and sell surplus harvests for additional income. Miriam was born with clubfoot on both feet. Her feet are twisted inward and downward. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Mariam's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on April 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Mariam's clubfoot repair. After treatment, her mobility will improve, and she will be able to wear shoes properly. Mariam’s mother says, “Please help my daughter. I hope she gets treatment and grows up to enjoy a life free from disability.”