Thiago is a three-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his parents, who both work in agriculture, and his two older siblings. Thiago's story of being diagnosed with a heart problem is unique. He accompanied his parents in a protest march against a law that threatened their community, walking for 28 days from the Bolivian Amazon to the city of La Paz. When they finally arrived, the high altitude of the city affected Thiago's breathing, causing the family to seek medical care. Doctors then discovered that Thiago has Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Thiago does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 26th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Thiago'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. Thiago's father shares, "We are so happy that our son's surgery has been scheduled for this week, and we hope for the best."

Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Laysing is a two-year-old boy from Preah Sihanouk Province in Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his four-year-old sister. His father works for a private company, while his mother stays at home to care for the children. He enjoys playing with toys alongside his sister, and his favorite meal is soup, especially lemongrass sour soup. Laysing was born with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side. His parents first noticed the condition when he began walking. As he has grown, the scoliosis has caused him to tire easily when walking or playing. The condition makes everyday activities difficult and sometimes causes discomfort. Laysing's parents are concerned about his posture and possible complications in the future. Laysing's family heard about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and traveled four hours to attend a consultation. After extensive testing, doctors recommended that Laysing have spinal surgery. Without treatment, Laysing's symptoms will continue, and he will be at risk of future complications. On March 23rd, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal "growing rod" into Laysing's spine to help correct the curve and allow for further spine growth. CSC is requesting $1,500 to cover the costs of his surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. This treatment will help him stand taller, move more comfortably, and reduce fatigue. After recovery, he should be able to play, walk, and participate in daily activities more easily, improving both his quality of life and his confidence. Laysing's mother shares, “I pray that after the surgery, my child will feel stronger, stand taller, and live freely without discomfort, embracing a future full of hope and happiness.”

Lysander is 81 years old and a father of two from the Philippines. He and his wife live with their daughter and son, who provides for the family's needs. He likes listening to the radio and reading the newspaper. Five years ago, Lysander was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him frequent pain, making him irritable. He has difficulty moving and lifting heavy objects. Fortunately, on February 7th, Lysander will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Lysander's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Lysander's children shared, "It is unbearable to see our father in pain, but now he has a chance to live normally again. He is looking forward to recovering and moving comfortably like before."

Miguel is a seven-year-old happy, intelligent child full of dreams. He has a pure heart, always radiates joy, and shows a great desire to succeed. Miguel wishes to become a teacher when he grows up, and is passionate about learning and sharing his knowledge with others. In May 2025, Miguel began experiencing discomfort in his mouth due to multiple cavities. He was evaluated by a dental specialist, who determined that a treatment procedure under general anesthesia was necessary to ensure his well-being. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is helping Miguel receive treatment. On January 20th, he will undergo treatment to clear the infection and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, helping him regain his smile and become healthier. Now, Miguel's family needs help to fund this $868 procedure. Miguel's mother says, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the donors who are supporting my son, Miguel. Your generous gesture is much more than material help; it is a sign of selfless love, of belief in dreams, and of light at a time when we urgently needed it. Thanks to your big hearts, Miguel will be able to receive the treatment he so desperately needs and, with it, regain the smile and quality of life that every child deserves. Seeing someone who does not know you personally offering you support is the purest reflection of human kindness. May God continue to bless you and guide every step in the valuable work you do."

Four-year-old Alpha lives with his parents in Kenya. His father earns a living by hawking clothes, while his mother is currently unemployed. In his first few years of life, Alpha experienced delayed developmental milestones, taking longer than expected to sit and to walk. Given these early challenges, his parents hoped that his speech would eventually develop with time. However, Alpha is still unable to speak. After visiting several health facilities, he was diagnosed with hearing loss. Alpha’s parents deeply wish for him to receive hearing aids, knowing that they would allow him to hear, to communicate, and to develop like other children. Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aids is far beyond their means. Alpha is an only child, and his parents' greatest hope is for him to be able to hear and to experience a normal childhood. Alpha was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is here to help. They, along with Alpha’s parents, are now reaching out for your support to help raise the $1,171 necessary to access the hearing aids Alpha needs for him to have a brighter future. Alpha is scheduled to get fitted with hearing aids on December 19th. “I want him to start school next year,” Alpha’s mother shares. “With hearing aids, he would have a better chance to learn alongside other children,” she added.

Emily is 45 years old and a mother of five children from Malawi. She is a farmer, while her husband works as a bicycle repairman. Since 2018, shortly after the birth of one of her children, Emily has been experiencing abdominal pains associated with severe bleeding. The condition has progressively weakened her, made it difficult for her to carry out her daily activities, and required her to undergo a blood transfusion. Emily has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Emily's surgery. On November 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Emily will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Emily shared, "My hope completely depends on you, donors, to save my life; I cannot afford to pay for my surgery."