Damaris is 17 months old and lives in a small village in central Bolivia with her mother, who currently cares for her full time. When Damaris was born, her mother noticed that she wasn't breathing well. She brought Damaris to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving Damaris weak and short of breath. Damaris also has Down syndrome. On September 23rd, Damaris will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in Damaris’s heart, so that blood will no longer leak through it. Damaris's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Damaris's mother said, "We came from far away, and I am really grateful to have this opportunity so my daughter can have lifesaving surgery."

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.”

Emily is five-year-old student who lives with her family in Medellin, Colombia. Her joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where she interacts with her classmates with enthusiasm and tenderness. Her energy is contagious, and her sweetness leaves a special impression on those around her. When she grows up, she dreams of becoming a firefighter or a veterinarian. Emily was born with an inguinal hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the groin. This condition causes discomfort and tenderness, especially when coughing or exercising. Because she has to be cautious with her movements, Emily has begun to feel insecure, particularly during physical education classes and when playing at the park. Without surgery, Emily will continue to experience symptoms, will have difficulty fully enjoying her childhood, and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, on April 27th, Emily will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Emily's mother shared, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people that will support her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally. This gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God bless you abundantly, may He multiply your generosity with blessings in your life, and may He continue to guide every endeavor you undertake. Your support not only covers a medical need but also fills our hearts with hope and peace. Thank you for giving us hope that Emily can once again live out her childhood with freedom and confidence."

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.”

Gian is a devoted father from the Philippines. He is passionate about basketball and spends his weekends coaching teens. He works tirelessly to provide for his three children, alongside his wife, who earns a living as a vendor. Despite his condition and the discomfort it causes, Gian continues to work, believing it is not a reason to stop supporting his family. Although he was once afraid to undergo surgery, he is now determined to move forward and get better. Three years ago, Gian developed an umbilical hernia. The hernia gave him recurring throbbing pain, and at times, his discomfort became worse with breathing. Fortunately, on February 27th, Gian will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Gian's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining amount and requests $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Gian to live more comfortably and confidently. Gian says, "This operation will give me peace of mind. I will also be able to support my loved ones better. I am doing this for them."

Yonas is a quiet and shy 10-year-old from Ethiopia who loves playing football, making handmade crafts, and helping his mother around the house. Yonas lives with his parents and his youngest cousin. His mother is a teacher at a government school, and his father is a security guard at a bank, though he will be stopping work this month. Together, his parents work hard to support the family and meet their basic needs. Most of their income is spent on food, making it challenging to afford medical bills and medication. Yonas was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His mother was unable to find a health center to address his needs and was advised by relatives to leave the condition as it was. However, when Yonas was four years old, another relative noticed the condition and informed his mother that the symptoms were unusual. Distressed for her son and fearful of the stigma associated with this condition, she felt overwhelmed and hopeless. After moving to Addis Ababa, Yonas's mother took him to a hospital, where they were referred to a pediatric specialty hospital. The doctor reassured her that surgical intervention could correct the condition, which gave her hope; however, they were also informed that there was a waiting list for the surgery. Yonas's mother continued to worry whenever he fell ill, fearing it might be related to his condition. After waiting five months, she finally received a call from the referral hospital informing her that Yonas had been referred to our medical partner's hospital, BKMCM Hospital. Fortunately, Yonas will undergo corrective surgery on January 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Yonas's mom said, "I wish my child could be as healthy as other children and safely complete his surgery. I long for the day when we can put this ordeal behind us."

Thatt is a 24-year-old former construction driver from Cambodia. He is the youngest of five siblings. All his brothers and sisters are married and live separately. He lives with his widowed mother, a rice farmer, in Siem Reap province. In his free time, Thatt enjoys playing games on his phone and helping his mother with household tasks. Four months ago, Thatt was involved in a motorcycle accident after losing control while driving too fast around a corner. He suffered head trauma and a fracture in his left shoulder, and he was unconscious for several hours at a local hospital. After ten days, he was discharged and returned home. For ongoing rehabilitative care, he visited a Khmer traditional healer, but he is unable to use his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to move or lift his left hand and continues to experience pain. He has also developed Horner’s Syndrome, a condition affecting the sympathetic nervous system that causes symptoms such as a drooping eyelid and facial changes on one side. These disabilities prevent him from working and from helping to support his mother. Thatt traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On October 14th, with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to use his left hand again, allowing him to find work and perform daily activities. Thatt's family can contribute $50 towards his medical care, but needs help raising the remaining $687 in funds. Thatt said: "After this operation, I hope to use my left hand again to return to work and support my family."

U Shwe is a 64-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, son, two daughters, and two grandchildren in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. He and his wife are retired, and his daughters and grandchildren are students. His son works as a freelance Burmese-Thai translator, and another daughter works at a dormitory, and sends money to support the family when she can. In early February 2025, U Shwe had a pain in two of his teeth. He had tehm extracted, which which seemed to solve the problem. However, when he went for a check-up for his diabetes in May, the medic conducted an oral exam and noticed that white spots that resembled a tumor were found in his gums. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital, for specialized care. Currently, U Shwe is experiencing severe pain inside and outside his mouth. Due to the pain, he can only eat soup and soft foods, and has difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. On October 6th, U Shwe will undergo a tumor removal surgery. He needs help to raise $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. U Shwe said, “I hope that after my surgery I will feel better when eating and sleeping that I can eat and sleep with my family again.”