Okumu is 58 years old and has five children: three boys and two girls. He is a subsistence farmer from Uganda. He is most happy when he has enough food for his children. A year ago, Okumu developed bilateral swellings in his groin. As the swellings increased in size and grew painful, he started using herbs to reduce the pain. Okumu reports difficulty lifting heavy objects. At the suggestion of a friend, Okumu visited our medical partner’s care center, Holy Family Virika Hospital, where he was diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Without treatment, Okumu may experience intestinal blockage or damage. Fortunately, on March 8, Okumu will undergo a hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund the procedure. After surgery, he hopes to continue farming so that he can sell some produce and earn money to take care of his family.

12-year-old Dachka lives in a small town in the Dominican Republic with her mother, father, and two younger sisters. She is in the sixth grade and hopes to become a doctor one day. Dachka was born with a cardiac condition called coarctation of the aorta, in which the aorta is abnormally narrow. As a result, the heart must pump harder to push blood, resulting in high blood pressure and risking heart failure. Although Dachka 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, Dachka will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 17. 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 Dachka 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 Dachka's surgical care. "I am excited to have my surgery," Dachka says, "so that I will no longer feel tired all the time and will have the energy to play with my friends."

Jose is a nine-year-old boy who lives with his mother and older brother in rural Guatemala. Jose is in second grade and loves math. His teacher, Elena, has been particularly supportive of Jose and is a great inspiration to him. One day, he hopes to become a teacher like her. Jose’s mother is a single parent who works cleaning homes to provide for her two sons. Last June, Jose was in a bike crash. He hit his head and was hospitalized for seven days. Since then, he has been experiencing seizures. His family is very worried that his condition will worsen. With the help of our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, Jose is scheduled to begin treatment on February 6. He will receive a full diagnostic work-up, including labs, an MRI, and a consultation with our medical partner's physicians. Then, our medical partner's team will develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce the frequency and length of his seizures. His family needs help to pay for this $1,044 care. This treatment will allow Jose to return to school.

Cho is a 32-year-old woman originally from Burma. One year ago, she moved to Mae Sot, Thailand with her family in search of better job opportunities. Since then, she and her eldest daughter have been working at a wool factory. Unfortunately, about three months ago, Cho started to experience symptoms of abdominal pain and fever. When medication from a local clinic did not help, she decided to go to our medical partner's care center for an examination. The doctor performed an ultrasound test, and Cho was diagnosed with gallstones with cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. Now, with the help of our medical partner, Cho is scheduled to undergo repair surgery on January 19. She needs help to raise $1,500 to fund this operation. Cho wishes to return to work as soon as possible. She plans to work in Mae Sot for a few more years before returning to Burma with her family. Cho's husband says, "I am very happy that my wife is receiving help.”

Hoeun is a 66-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with two sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren. When he is not working, he likes to watch TV. In the last year, Hoeun has developed a cataract in each eye. His vision became blurred, and the cataracts caused tearing and irritation of his eyes. His symptoms continue to worsen, making it hard to work and relax. Hoeun has traveled with his daughter-in-law to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for treatment. Doctors at CSC have recommended a small incision cataract surgery and intraocular lens implant in each eye. These procedures will remove the natural lenses in Hoeun's eyes and replace them with clear, artificial lenses. CSC is requesting $292 for his procedure on February 21. After recovery, his vision will improve.

Steven is a 10-year-old fourth grade student from the Dominican Republic. He lives with his mother, brothers, and grandparents. His favorite subject in school is science, and he hopes to be a doctor one day. When not studying, Steven likes to play soccer with his brothers. Steven was was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart. As a result, blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving Steven feeling sickly and weak. On February 7, Steven will visit our medical partner's care center, Hospital Pediatrico Robert Reid Cabral, for a cardiac assessment that includes exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is asking for $1,500 to fund his cardiac assessment, as well as his medications and social support. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Steven's surgical care. "I am happy to have surgery so that afterward I will be able to run as fast as my oldest brother!" says Steven.

Savoeun is a 42-year-old man living with his wife and daughter in Cambodia. He is the religious leader of traditional Buddhist ceremonies, including weddings, the naming of newborns, and prayers for the fatally ill. He also acts as an adviser for the community on counseling and parenting, and also as a funeral attendant. 13 years ago, while working in Thailand, Savoeun fell victim to a crime incident involving murder and firearms. Savoeun was caught in the crossfire and had a bullet injury through his right knee, severing nerves and tendons. His injury was not treated, and he developed a Volkmann's contracture, which is when the limb has a severe lack of blood flow to the area due to swelling. When this happens for a prolonged period of time, like in Savoeun's case, tendons can scar and shorten causing clubfoot. He has lost sensation in his lower right leg, and is unable to walk comfortably. Savoeun needs surgical intervention to correct his tendons and start the healing process of his right leg, but he needs financial assistance. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, tells us that for $392 Savoeun can have his nerves and tendons reparation surgery. The total cost covers the procedure, supplies, and 2 days of inpatient care. Following the surgery, Savoeun will be able to start physical therapy and regain some functionality in his right leg. "I hope that I will eventually walk normally and the pain will stop after surgery," Savoeun says, "I look forward to working again in the community when I am healed."