“Laxman studies in the second grade and is a bright student,” says our Nepalese medical partner, Possible. “He enjoys reading Nepali stories and playing volleyball.” Several months ago, the nine-year-old boy from Nepal developed an inguinal hernia, a condition where part of the lower intestine protrudes through a weakened section of the abdominal cavity, causing a painful bulge. “Although initially it did not make much of a difference, it has been painful for a while now," Possible shares. "It also hurts when clothes rub against it or it is touched accidentally.” Laxman's father adds, “He cannot run or walk long distance.” Without intervention, Laxman’s condition could worsen and put him at risk of hernia strangulation, which cuts off blood flow from parts of his body. To support the family, Laxman’s parents tend to their farm. However, their modest income prevents them from being able to support the cost of Laxman’s operation. For $491, Laxman will undergo a hernia repair surgery. During this procedure, surgeons will insert the displaced section of the intestine back into its normal position. Following surgery, Laxman will remain under close medical supervision. This operation offers Laxman both short-term and long-term benefits. Possible states, “Having the surgery will not only prevent Laxman's hernia strangulation but it will also relieve his discomfort.” "I hope Laxman's condition will not cause any complications in future," Laxman's father shares. "I wish for his treatment to be successful."

Meet Haris, a five-year-old boy from Nepal. Our medical partner, Possible, tells us, “Haris is a very good student. He loves going to school. Two of his favorite classes are drawing and Nepali.” Not long ago, Possible explains, “Haris was heading downstairs in his house when he fell and broke his right arm.” He was diagnosed with fracture of super condyle humerus—the part of the arm right above the elbow. Possible explains that since his injury, Haris experiences “pain, swelling and has difficulty moving his arm. Due to this, he has not been able to go to school, sleep and properly, and play with his friends.” Possible tells us, “Haris lives with five sisters and his parents. His parents are farmers but the money they get from farming is not enough to sustain the family for the whole year.” For $579, Haris will receive open reduction and internal fixation surgery. In this surgery, his broken bone will be moved back into place, and then a stainless steal pin will be placed to hold the bone together as it heals. After the surgery, Harris will get a cast to protect his arm as it heals. Possible shares, “Once the surgery is complete, Haris will still need few weeks to recover. But, after that he should be able to move his arm without any pain or discomfort. He will be able to sleep and eat properly, and also do his school work.” Haris' father shares: "We barely have enough to eat. Paying for his treatment would have been very difficult. I would either have to borrow money or pray that his injury would heal by itself. I am so happy–I don't have to worry about that anymore."

Four-year-old Jameson is a quiet and shy boy who lives with his mother and grandparents in Haiti. He enjoys listening to music and helping to feed the family’s chickens. “Jameson was born with two different holes in his heart: one between the two upper chambers and another between the two lower chambers,” our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), tells us. As a result of the holes, known as septal defects, “blood leaks between the chambers and does not flow properly out to his body. This leaves Jameson feeling sick and fatigued.” Surgery is recommended to treat the septal defects in Jameson’s heart. HCA explains, “During surgery, doctors will close both holes in Jameson’s heart, allowing blood to flow normally between the four chambers. Jameson should not experience any further symptoms from his condition.” With $1500, HCA will provide the overseas preparation and transportation required for Jameson’s treatment: airline tickets, passports, visas, and food support. Health City Cayman Islands is subsidizing Jameson’s treatment with a $7500 donation that will be used to cover the remaining costs of surgical care. “I am very excited that Jameson can have this surgery, and I am praying to God every day that everything will go well for him,” says Jameson’s mother.