Mike is a 29-year-old farmer from Malawi. He has one child, who is currently in nursery school. Mike sustained a lower leg fracture. He was rushed to Nkhoma Hospital, where after an assessment, he was scheduled for open reduction surgery. However, Mike cannot afford the cost of the surgery, which is the only remedy for repairing the fracture and alleviating Mike of the pain that prevents him from working and taking care of his family. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $636 to fund his surgery, which is scheduled for February 27th, at Nkhoma Hospital. Mike said: “I hope to get treatment so that I can go back home to my family free of this condition.”

Mirleiny is a five-year-old girl from Haiti. She lives with her parents and two older brothers in a neighborhood outside of the capital. She is currently in kindergarten and likes drawing and dancing. Mirleiny has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Mirleiny is scheduled to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 1st, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing funds to pay for surgery. Mirleiny's family needs help funding the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkups, and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Mirleiny's family overseas. Mirleiny's mother says: "Our family is so happy to know that after this surgery our daughter's heart will be normal!"

Lucia is a baby from southern Bolivia. Her mother stays home with her, and her father is a delivery driver. Lucia was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. A major blood vessel leading to the heart is too small, which leaves Lucia weak and unable to properly grow. Additionally, she has turner syndrome. Lucia needs surgery to open the aorta to its full size. This will allow blood to flow more easily so she can grow up healthy. Lucia's mother states: "Our family is so happy to know that our daughter can finally have this surgery; we have been hoping for this opportunity since she was born."