"We knew for a long time that Jefferson had a problem, but we didn't know what it was,” Jefferson’s parents share. “We're so glad to know what's wrong, and that there is a way to fix it!" The first-born child to office workers in Haiti, three-year-old Jefferson is an intelligent boy who asks a lot of questions and is learning to read. Jefferson’s parents have not put him in preschool yet due to a congenital heart condition known as tetralogy of Fallot. The condition involves a combination of related defects, including a hole between two chambers in the heart that results in blood passing through without being oxygenated. The lack of oxygen in the blood can cause Jefferson to faint, feel weak and be prone to sickness. Without treatment, tetralogy of Fallot can be fatal. Health City Cayman Islands is subsidizing Jefferson's heart surgery, and Watsi donors can support Jefferson with $1,500 to cover the overseas travel expenses and medical preparation he needs before surgery. “Following surgery, Jefferson should be able to lead a normal life with near-normal blood flow through his heart, and no ongoing risk of death from this condition,” explains our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance. “He will probably never need another surgery in his life.”

Meet Mariano, a 60-year-old father of eight living in Guatemala with his wife. Mariano used to work as a health promoter in his rural farming community, until his condition worsened and kept him from working. Mariano has severe diabetes, a long-term condition characterized by high blood sugar. This high blood sugar results from two possible sources - either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body doesn’t properly respond to insulin. “Because of severe diabetes-related symptoms, blurred vision, fatigue and dizziness, [Mariano] has been unable to work,” our medical partners at Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) explain. “He’s had three hospitalizations for severe high blood glucose in the last few months. He can’t afford the medicine, and without urgent intervention he is in danger of dying from this condition.” “I want to feel well, I want to spend time with my family, I want to watch my grandchildren grow up,” Mariano tells us. For $450, we can fund the treatment Mariano needs for his acute diabetes. His doctors at WK expect that the treatment will result in “resolved severe high blood sugars, prevention of hospitalization and death, [and the] ability to spend time with his family.” Let’s come together to make this happen for Mariano!