Silvia is a lively and curious two-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who washes clothes for a living. When Silvia was six months old, she was diagnosed with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus: a hole exists between two major blood vessels next to her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. The hole was expected to close over time, but this did not happen, and she now needs surgery. On May 27th, Silvia will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Silvia's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Silvia's mother says: "My only desire is for my daughter to have her surgery as soon as possible, so she can be healthy."

Hom is a 45-year-old rice and vegetable farmer. He lives with his wife and daughter in Kandal province. The family primarily works in the rice paddies, but they farm vegetables from their own land in the off-season to supplement their income. For Hom, farming is not just a job, but his passion. He enjoys walking around the rice fields and harvesting new vegetable crops to sell in the local market. About two months ago, Hom developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Hom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Hom shared, "I am hopeful that after my upcoming eye surgery, my vision will improve so I can return to farming without worry, and feel confident once again."

Lauben is a charming six-year old pupil from Uganda, the first born in a family of three children. When asked what he would like to be in the future, Lauben cheerfully says, “A hunter!” He tells the story of a villager he admires who hunts rabbits with his dogs and always seems to have fun—and meat to eat. Lauben excitedly explains how this hunter eats meat daily, which rarely happens in his own home, where meat is only served on Christmas and other special occasions. Lauben loves playing football. At home, being the oldest child, he helps his parents with chores such as fetching water and looking after his siblings. His parents are small-scale farmers, working hard to provide for the family. For about four years, Lauben has been experiencing a swelling in a sensitive area. At first, he didn't seem to be in pain, so his mother did not think much of it. However, Lauben recently began reporting pain while passing urine, after walking long distances, when sitting for extended periods of time, and even when his thighs are pressed together. The swelling has also increased over time, and sleeping has become uncomfortable due to the condition. Concerned, Lauben's parents took him to a nearby facility, where a scan revealed he had a hydrocele, a swelling due to fluid build up. They were advised to seek treatment at a larger facility. With no means to afford care in a hospital, his mother tried using local herbal remedies, but they offered no relief. Only after speaking with a neighbor did Lauben’s mother learn about a surgical support program at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital. She brought him to the hospital for evaluation, where another scan confirmed the diagnosis. Doctors recommended a hydrocelectomy—a surgical procedure necessary to prevent infection and protect Lauben’s health both now and in the future. Unfortunately, the family cannot afford the cost of the surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Lauben receive treatment. On April 8th, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery, which will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life. Now, Lauben's family need help to fund this $146 procedure. Lauben's mother says, "I believe this condition may be causing him to avoid school because he's constantly complaining of pain. I truly need your support, as it pains me to see my son in such poor health."

Abigaelle is a preschooler from Haiti. She lives with her mother, father, and older brother in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Her father works in construction and her mother is a shopkeeper. Abigaelle has a cardiac condition called complete atrioventricular canal defect. A large hole exists between all four chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without flowing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Abigaelle will fly to Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On April 14th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will use patches to close the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $6500 to pay for her surgery. Abigaelle's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Abigaelle's family overseas. Abigael's mother says, "I have been very worried about my daughter's health for a long time, and I am so happy to learn that her heart can be fixed!"