Jordy is a four-year-old boy who “nearly constantly smiles and laughs,” shares our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA). He is very attached to his mother, and his father is a church minister. “Jordy was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole in the heart which normally closes shortly after birth remains open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him sickly and weak,” explains HCA. The Haiti Cardiac Alliance transports patients to overseas locations to receive heart surgical procedures that are not readily accessible in Haiti. In this case, Jordy will be transported to the Cayman Islands for his treatment. $1,500 funds treatment that will restore normal blood flow to Jordy’s heart and prevent further cardiac symptoms. An additional $5,000 to fund the treatment is being subsidized by Health City Cayman Islands. In the words of Jordy’s mother, “I am excited for Jordy to have more energy and to be healthier after his surgery is finished.”

Ruth lives in the mountains of Haiti with her mother, grandmother, and four siblings. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), tells us that eight-year-old Ruth "does not attend school, but likes helping her mother around the house, playing with her brothers and sisters, and singing." Ruth loses her breath and energy quickly, however, because she was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. "A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart," HCA says. "Ruth also has down syndrome." Ruth's heart condition makes it difficult for her body to circulate and process her blood efficiently. HCA explains that "because she has lived for so long with this condition, there is a chance it may no longer be repairable, but the only way to determine this is by inserting a catheter into the chambers of her heart. Since this is not possible in Haiti, arrangements are being made to bring her to Dominican Republic to perform this extremely important test in the hopes that she can have heart surgery soon." For $1500, Ruth will be taken to the Dominican Republic for the catheterization procedure that will determine whether she is a candidate for heart surgery. If she is operable, she will be prepared for surgery as soon as possible. "We are very happy that there is hope for Ruth, and hope that she will be able to have surgery," her mother says.

Meet Justine, a 15-year-old boy who lives in Tanzania with his mother, father, and five siblings. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Justine started feeling mild pain in his left knee when he was seven years old.” Justine has knocked knees, a condition in which his knees are angled towards each other. This condition is especially common in regions of northern Tanzania where an excess of naturally-occurring fluoride in the water causes curvature in the bones. By fifth grade, Justine was no longer able to walk the long distance to his school, and he had to drop out. AMHF explains, “While he was in school, Justine enjoyed science and history classes. He also liked to play soccer.” However, because of his difficulty walking, Justine can now only interact with his peers through cards and board games. With the school fees for their other five children, Justine’s parents--both small-scale farmers--are unable to pay the costs of the surgical repair Justine needs. They have taken Justine to various hospitals, but he has only ever received multivitamins and pain medication. For $940, Justine will receive surgery to correct his knocked knees, as well as two weeks of physical therapy. The procedure will realign his bones and joints, improving his ability to walk. Justine will be able to travel long distances like the one to school. Justine shares with us, “I have always admired my science teacher. When I am able to go back to school, I’ll study hard so that in the future I can become a teacher.”

Meet Daniel, an eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. Daniel lives with his mother and his younger brother. Daniel has a condition called Hirschprung’s disease, which makes it hard for him to pass stool normally. Several years ago “Daniel developed an obstruction and a colostomy (stool diversion) was done," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Although Daniel’s previous surgery relieved the symptoms from the obstruction, it is not a long-term solution for his condition. However, as a single parent of two children, Daniel’s mother’s income is not enough to cover the cost of Daniel’s second operation. For $1,500, Daniel will receive surgery to correct his condition. AMHF states that after treatment, Daniel will be able to pass stool normally. “Despite everything, Daniel is a very happy boy and he has a very positive outlook on life,” AMHF shares. “He is dreaming that if he gets well from this condition, he can go to school and become a big government officer.”

Lorvenson is a 20-month-old Haitian boy who lives with his parents. According to our medical partner, Project Medishare (PM), Lorvenson has a collection of pus in his lungs called an empyema. "Lorvenson started having trouble breathing, has a fever and severe abdominal pain, cries a lots during the nights and he has lost his appetite." His father took him to the hospital where CT scans revealed Lorevenson's empyema. Both of Lorvenson’s parents are unemployed and the family cannot pay for the surgery themselves. PM adds that, "his father says he is excited to find a job after the surgery of his baby in order to provide him a healthier life." With $1,500, Lorvenson will be admitted to the pediatric critical care unit where doctors will drain the pus from his lungs, and treat his infection with antibiotics. PM expects that after surgery, “Lorvenson will be healthy again and go back home with his family."

“Marcos is the only child of two very loving parents,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). The baby boy from Guatemala “loves to jump up and down and play with a little basket he found at his house,” WK shares. However, Marcos often experiences low energy levels due to acute pediatric malnutrition. Acute malnutrition occurs when the body does not intake as many essential nutrients as it needs over an extended period of time—causing a nutritional deficit. Among children, this imbalance can stunt mental and physical development. At this point, “Marco has very low height and weight for his age,” WK says. In addition, Marcos has crossed eyes (strabismus) and chronic diarrhea—further limiting his absorption of essential nutrients. Throughout early childhood, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial to experiencing healthy growth. WK explains that a nutritious diet allows young children to have “healthy physical and brain development, a strong immune system and ordinary energy levels.” Conversely, malnutrition can weaken overall immunity, increasing the risk of other illnesses such as pneumonia. Marcos’ mother does not make enough money, nor possess the nutritive knowledge, to facilitate the improvement of her son’s health. She remarks, “It is difficult to buy the things Marcos needs in a sufficient quantity to ensure he is healthy. We just don’t have the money… I feel like I have been waiting for help.” With $535 in Watsi funding, however, Marcos will receive 90 days of micronutrient support to treat his acute malnutrition. These nutrient-rich food supplements will be introduced into his diet in incremental amounts to allow his body to safely adjust to the changes. In addition, Marcos will be given deworming medication to protect him from future infections. With Guatemala having the fourth-highest rate of malnutrition in the world, education is crucial to preventing this condition in the future. Therefore, Marcos’ parents will work with a nutritionist to learn about the importance of nutrition and ensure that Marcos reaches important milestones throughout his treatment. By restoring a nutritional balance to Marcos’ diet, WK states that he will “grow better both physically and mentally. His energy levels will increase and his immune system will strengthen—preventing illnesses and infections throughout his life.” His mother shares, “I want to do all I can to help my baby!”

“The youngest of the family, Naresh loves to play pranks on his older brothers; he is the most active of the bunch and never stays still,” shares our medical partner, Possible. Naresh is a six-year-old boy from Nepal. “Naresh lives with his mother and two older brothers, and his dad is the sole breadwinner of the family and has been working in India for the last two years,” Possible tells us. Naresh currently has a fracture of his upper arm. Possible explains, “Naresh was playing on the second floor when suddenly his feet slipped and he fell to the first floor. He started having pain in his left arm and he has been having difficulty moving his hand, changing his clothes, taking a bath, and even sleeping.” Naresh needs surgery to regain mobility in his arm, and increase his quality of life. With $579, Naresh will receive surgery to repair his arm. In this procedure, the bone fragments are repositioned into their normal alignment, and then held together with special screws and metal plates. Following surgery, Naresh’s arm will be put in a cast and he will stay in the hospital for one to three days to ensure he is healing properly. When Naresh recovers he will have full movement in his arm. Possible reports, “Naresh is looking forward to getting back to school and playing with his friends.” "I am really thankful to our supporters for helping with Naresh’s treatment," his mother shares. "A huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders.”