Deborah is a two-year-old baby girl from Haiti. Deborah is very cheerful and outgoing. She likes to play with her neighbors and sing. She lives in a city in northern Haiti with her parents and older brother. Deborah has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Deborah will fly to United States to receive treatment. On July 23rd, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, HeartGift Foundation, is contributing $18,000 to pay for surgery. Deborah's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. 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 Deborah's family overseas. Deborah's mother says: "It's a miracle that our family has this chance for our daughter to have surgery. We are very thankful to everyone!"

Zoe is a seven-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and younger brother. Her mother supports the family as a vendor. Zoe is in the second grade and likes arts and crafts. Zoe was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart, causing blood to leak through the hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen. This leaves her weak and short of breath and puts her at risk of heart failure in the future. Zoe needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On June 24th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is paying for the surgery, but Zoe’s family also needs help with the costs of surgery prep. 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 Zoe's family overseas. Zoe’s mother shares, “Our family is so happy that Zoe was finally chosen for surgery; we have been waiting since she was a very small child!”

Dion is 18 months old and the only child in his family from Bolivia. He lives with his mom, who is studying IT, and his dad, who works as a small entrepreneur. Dion's mother noticed that he has problems gaining weight and frequently gets colds. After a medical consult, Dion was diagnosed with a heart condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving him weak and short of breath. On April 22nd, Dion 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 his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it.. Dion'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. Dion's mother shared, "We are very grateful my child can receive this lifesaving surgery; we are so thankful."

Altiya is a lively baby girl with boundless curiosity from Ethiopia. She is always exploring and playing with anything she can find around her. Toys and other items captivate her, reflecting her joyful spirit. The name “Altiya” means “happy” in Afan Oromo, and her family was overjoyed when she was born. Altiya lives in a single room with her parents and her paternal grandparents. Her mother is a dedicated housewife, while her father works as a farmer, providing for the family through agricultural activities. Farming sustains both her immediate family and her father’s extended relatives. Altiya was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. When her mother first noticed Altiya’s condition, panic set in, and she struggled to believe that a surgical solution was possible. It took two months, but with the support of their family, her mother eventually decided to seek medical help. After visiting a local hospital, they were referred for further treatment. However, upon learning about the high costs involved, Altiya's mother felt overwhelmed and began to lose hope, unsure of how to proceed. After reaching out to those around her, Altiya's mother learned about Mother Teresa Mission from a neighbor and decided to seek help there. The MOC staff provided invaluable support, helping them travel to Addis Ababa for advanced treatment. They arranged accommodation, meals, and other essential services, and guided them to the Bethany kids center. This collaboration opened doors for Altiya, enabling her to receive the necessary care without the burden of financial stress. Her first surgery was remarkable and successful, restoring hope for the future. With deep gratitude, her mother expresses sincere appreciation for the support they have received and looks forward with hope to the success of the upcoming procedures. Altiya is scheduled to undergo another surgery to correct her condition on March 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Altiya's procedure and care. After her recovery, Altiya will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Altiya's mom said, "I am truly grateful for your incredible support. After this treatment journey, I feel happy knowing that my child will be healthy following the surgery. Please continue to provide your support; it means the world to us."

28-year-old Simion lives with his wife and child in Kenya. Despite having to drop out of school due to finances, Simion now earns a living as a welder and a motorcycle mechanic, using skills he acquired through observation and practice. On January 31st, while at work, Simion was on a motorcycle carrying spare parts when a speeding vehicle lost control and ran over his leg. He sustained a large open wound on his right foot. He received immediate first aid at the scene, and was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, where the bleeding was controlled, and the wound was washed out. A plastic surgeon was consulted, and due to the extensive soft tissue defect, a free flap and skin graft were recommended to achieve proper wound coverage and limb salvage. This is not Simion's first road traffic accident. As the result of an accident that happened when he was younger, Simion lost function of his left eye. He is currently worried that he would not be able to afford the treatment that he needs. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Simion receive treatment. On February 3rd, he will undergo skin graft surgery at AIC Kapsowar Hospital to aid in the healing of his leg. While he tried diligently to raise the funds to cover the costs of his procedure, Simion needs your help to raise $1,183. Simion said: "I would be very grateful if you helped me get the surgery. Currently, I am in lots of pain and afraid when I see my leg. Please help me so that I can go back home, be able to go back to work, and take care of my young family."

Naw Paw is a 55-year-old woman from Burma. She has been living in the refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand, with her husband, her son, her daughter, and her grandson for more than 20 years. Naw Paw is primarily a homemaker. Together with her son, she assists in growing and selling vegetables and produce from their garden. Her daughter is also a homemaker and cares for Naw Paw’s grandson, while her husband volunteers at the camp church. The family’s limited income from vegetable growing allows them to cover only basic daily living expenses. In her free time, Naw Paw enjoys playing with her grandson, tending to the garden and speaking with neighbours. Watching her plants grow brings her happiness. However, ongoing health issues and financial uncertainty have caused her significant stress. In June 2025, Naw Paw reported lower back pain and pain in her right lower abdomen. An ultrasound was performed, which revealed gallstones. Naw Paw has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Naw Paw's symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Naw Paw is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on January 12th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Naw Paw's procedure and care. Naw Paw shared, “I am always worrying about where I can find more money, especially with my health problems. I feel very relieved and thankful to receive support from the donors during this time.”

Nge is a 32-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and son, parents, brother and sister-in-law, niece, and nephew in a refugee camp in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, Thailand, where she has lived since 2002. Nge’s parents are frequently ill, so she and her sister-in-law take care of them and the children. Nge’s husband is an agricultural day laborer outside of the camp, and her brother is a motorbike taxi driver in the camp. In her free time, Nge enjoys playing with her son, her niece, and her nephew, and listening to Buddhist preaching. Ngew is currently expecting her second child, and doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Nge undergo a C-Section on December 9th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Nge needs your support. “I want my children to be well-educated so that they can have a bright future," Nge said.

Apphia is a 26-year-old woman from Kenya. As the firstborn in a family of three children, Apphia has always borne significant responsibility for her younger siblings. Her parents rely on small-scale farming to support the family. In 2019, Apphia noticed that she was beginning to lose her hearing. She does not recall any unusual event leading up to her condition, only that sounds gradually faded away until, one day, she could not hear at all. At the time, Apphia was in her third year in high school. Despite the challenges, she continued attending school, but struggled to follow the lessons and keep up with her classmates, which affected her performance in the final examinations. Still determined, Apphia enrolled into a secretarial studies course. Despite facing significant communication barriers, she completed the short course, but has unfortunately not been able to secure employment due to her challenges in hearing and understanding others. Apphia went to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, in March this year. She was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and hearing aids were recommended. Since then, she has tried raising funds from friends and relatives for her treatment, unsuccessfully. Over time, she has become increasingly withdrawn, avoiding social spaces and preferring to stay alone. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Apphia receive treatment. On November 12th, she will be fitted with hearing aids to improve her hearing, help her find meaningful employment, and build her life with confidence and independence. Now, Apphia needs help to fund this $1,171 treatment. Apphia says: "I feel as though the world keeps moving forward while I remain held back. It's tough when I have to keep asking people to repeat themselves, I now prefer staying at home."