Reynatris is a four-year-old girl. She was diagnosed with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus at birth. A hole in her heart, which normally closes shortly after birth, remained open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her sick and weak. Reynatris lives in eastern Dominican Republic with her mother, grandmother, and one younger sister. She loves to play dolls with her sister. Although Reynatris is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. She will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center. First, Reynatris will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 15. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Reynatris also covers the cost of medications and social support for her and her family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Reynatris's surgical care. Reynatris's mother says, "I never thought it would be possible for Reynatris to have surgery. This is like a dream come true for our family."

Chit Sandar is 21 months old and lives with her older brother, mother, and grandparents in a village in Burma. Her father works in Bangkok to support the family. At six months of age, Chit Sandar became sick with a fever. She was brought to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. Although Chit Sandar is eating well, she has experienced loss of consciousness, fatigue, and sunken eyes. She was referred to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). On February 14, doctors will perform a shunt insertion surgery to drain the fluid from her brain. Chit Sandar's parents cannot afford treatment, so BCMF is requesting $1,500 to help fund this procedure.