Jazlyn is a five-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. As a newborn, she could not gain weight properly or breastfeed well, so her parents took her to the hospital for nutritional support to gain weight; while she was admitted, they discovered her heart condition. Jazlyn has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On October 27th, Jazlyn will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, because her heart is too small and fragile to be completely repaired, doctors will implant a band around her pulmonary artery that will allow her heart to grow and strengthen safely. In the future, she will undergo a second surgery to remove the band and completely repair her heart. Jazlyn'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. Jazlyn's mother shared, "We have been waiting patiently for this day to come. I'm so grateful my little girl can have her surgery now. I cannot thank enough all the people who helped me during this hard time!"

Vania is a sweet toddler from Bolivia. She lives with her dad, who works in construction, her mom, who is a homemaker, and her older sister. She likes to play with dolls. Vania's parents noticed she was not gaining weight properly and took her to the local doctors, who discovered her heart condition called an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery. One of her coronary arteries connects to the blood vessels near her heart in an anatomically abnormal location. This leads to poor blood flow to the heart and causes heart failure over time. On August 26th, Vania will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will detach the coronary artery and reattach it in the appropriate location. Vania'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. Vania's mother says, "I pray my little daughter has a successful surgery; she is my sunshine."

Tennyson is a playful 11-year-old boy from Kenya. He is currently in grade 3 and loves drawing and playing with friends. His father is a construction worker, while his mother is a home maker. Tennyson has clubfoot of right foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. Tennyson was also born with a hearing impairment. His mother first noticed that his right foot was bending when he was three years old. “He struggled to walk and would often complain of pain, and as he grew, it only got worse,” she recalls. They sought help at a nearby hospital but were informed that the condition could not be treated there. With no clear solution, they returned home. As time passed, the condition worsened. The pain increased, Tennyson's foot began to swell, and walking became more difficult. Eventually, Tennyson had to stop going to school because he could no longer walk. One of his teachers grew concerned and reached out to the family. After learning about Tennyson’s condition, the teacher informed his mother about a mobile clinic by AIC CURE Hospital, where Tennyson could undergo a review. At the clinic, Tennyson was assessed and scheduled for serial casting and a clubfoot surgery. He has been undergoing the casting and is now ready for the repair surgery, which has been scheduled for May 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Tennyson's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his foot will gradually straighten and restore his ability to walk. Tennyson's mother says: “I am praying that his foot will be straightened, so that he can walk without pain, go back to school, and live like other children.”

At five years old, Angel is currently in preschool in Colombia, and stands out as a curious child, with a strong academic performance, and remarkable personal motivation. From a very young age, he has proudly expressed his dream of becoming a doctor when he grows up. However, his daily life has been affected by a problem that goes beyond the physical: constant pain and oral discomfort have interfered with his concentration, his eating habits, and the normal development expected for his age. About six months ago, Angel was first examined by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed multiple deep cavities. Since then, he has been monitored regularly, but the progression of the disease has been evident. The intense and persistent pain, accompanied by swelling and marked difficulty eating, has begun to significantly impact Angel's quality of life. After assessing the extent of the lesions, the number of affected teeth, and the patient’s young age, the medical team determined that the best and safest option is to perform treatment under general anesthesia. This decision aims not only to ensure comprehensive and effective care, but also to protect the child’s emotional well-being. The proposed treatment, scheduled for April 28th at Clínica Noel, represents an opportunity for relief and recovery. Beyond resolving a dental problem, it will allow Angel to smile again without pain, eat properly, improve his academic performance, and resume his play and learning with peace of mind. Above all, it will give him the chance to continue dreaming of saving lives and becoming, one day, a renowned doctor. Now, Angel's family needs help to fund the $1,109 treatment. Angel's mother said: "As a mother, I sincerely hope that my son can finally feel at ease when it’s time to eat. For a long time, he hasn’t been able to enjoy his favorite food because of the pain and discomfort caused by the cavities he’s currently dealing with. Watching him suffer has been very difficult for me. I want to express my sincere gratitude, because thanks to people with such big hearts like you, families and children have hope again. I cannot find enough words to thank you for everything you are doing for my son. Your support and generosity mean so much to us, and make a huge difference in my little one’s life."

Wisnaida is a 16-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and three younger siblings. Her father is a music teacher, and her mother is a merchant. In her free time, Wisnaida enjoys singing. When Wisnaida was younger, she developed an infection that damaged her heart and led to a cardiac condition known as rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Because of this condition, one of the valves of her heart does not open and close properly, causing backwards blood flow, poor circulation, and fatigue. Without treatment, Wisnaida is at risk of valve enlargement and early heart failure. Thankfully, Wisnaida will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 24th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally. If they are unable to do so, they will remove it and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Mitral Foundation, is contributing $10,000 to pay for surgery. Now, Wisnaida's family needs help to fund the costs of related care. 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 Wisnaida's family overseas. Wisnaida shares, "I am praying that this surgery goes well so that I feel stronger and healthier!"

Shakira is a cheerful and lively three-year-old girl. She is the second and youngest child in her family. Shakira lives with her loving mother, who works tirelessly as a small food vendor to provide for her children. Despite the financial challenges they face, Shakira’s mother is deeply devoted to her daughter’s well-being and future. As Shakira grew older and began learning to stand and walk, her mother noticed that she struggled with balance and could not walk properly like other children her age. She often stumbled, tired easily, and avoided standing for long periods due to discomfort. Despite these physical challenges, Shakira remains a joyful and curious child who loves interacting with other children, laughing, and exploring her surroundings. Concerned about her daughter’s future, Shakira’s mother brought her to Kafika House in search of help. Here, Shakira was diagnosed with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, will begin Shakira's clubfoot treatment on February 27th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to fund her clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will have the opportunity to walk normally, attend school, and live a full and independent life as her feet gradually realign. Once Shakira completes her treatment, she will be able to stand, walk, and grow without disability. Shakira's mother says, “She wants to walk and play like other children, but her feet make it difficult. I pray she can walk freely and grow up without this struggle.”

Angel is a 9-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the second-born in a family of three and is known as a quiet and gentle child. Angel lives with her family, where her father works as a tour guide to support the household. According to her father, Angel was born without any visible deformity. However, as she grew, her right foot gradually began to curve inward. The family sought medical help early, but the treatment was unsuccessful. Despite repeated attempts to find help, the family struggled to get effective treatment. Their hope was renewed when a relative working with Kafika House informed them about the services available and encouraged them to seek further care. Angel has now been diagnosed with clubfoot and is scheduled for a clubfoot correction treatment on her right foot. Her condition affects her walking, limits her participation in daily activities, and exposes her to emotional and social challenges. Fortunately, Angel's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on January 26th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Angel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will have the opportunity to regain mobility, confidence, and the ability to fully engage in school and community life. Angel's father says, "It will be nice knowing my daughter does not have to live with the leg condition for life."

Makbel is an adorable boy with a bright mind from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and is passionate about studying mathematics. He also cherishes playing with his little sister. His mother is a housewife, but sometimes she washes clothes to earn a little extra money in their area. Due to hand injuries, she had to stop working. His father is a daily laborer, working as an electrician and painter. He is the sole provider for the family and does his best to meet his children's needs. Makbel was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Makbel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Makbel's mom says, "I will feel a wave of excitement once the procedure is complete, knowing he will be okay after the surgery. I am genuinely grateful for the organization's support."

Brenda is 14 years old and a fifth-grader from Kenya. She is the second of six children in her family. Brenda dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Brenda has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. She previously had surgery on her left foot, and is now being prepared to have surgery on her right foot. Walking has been challenging for her, as her foot naturally turns inward, making every step uncomfortable. With ongoing treatment, she is gradually moving closer to walking comfortably and confidently. On November 26th, Brenda will undergo clubfoot correction surgery at our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Brenda's procedure and care. After treatment, she will be able to walk without pain, play freely, and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Brenda shared, "I can’t wait to walk on my two feet properly. I will be so happy and look forward to continuing my education without any challenges."