Six-year-old Siya is from India and lives with her parents and three siblings. Her father sells vegetables for a living, while her mother takes care of the home and the children. Two months ago, Siya suffered an electric burn. The wound healed, but it left behind a contracture: scar tissue has tightened and pulled the index finger of her right hand into a bent position. She can no longer straighten it fully. At an age when she should be learning to hold a pencil, draw, write her letters, and play freely, her hand is holding her back. Siya has been advised to undergo surgery to release the contracture. Without it, the scar can tighten further as she grows, and her finger may become permanently stiff. Fortunately, our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, can help. Siya will undergo surgery on October 9th, and she needs help raising $929 to fund her procedure and care. With timely surgery and follow-up care, Siya has a real chance of regaining the movement in her finger, so she can grip a pencil, write, eat, and dress herself. Siya's grandmother shared, “We are grateful that she is receiving this surgery.”

Francisco is an eight-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is intelligent, charismatic, and extremely friendly. Francisco's energy spreads joy, and his sweetness leaves a special impression on everyone around him. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming an inventor to change the world with his ideas. About one year ago, Francisco developed an umbilical hernia, a bulge that occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a small opening near the belly button. Although umbilical hernias do not usually cause acute pain, Francisco experiences tenderness and discomfort that limit his daily activities, such as running, jumping, and playing with his friends. If left untreated, the hernia also carries the risk of complications, such as incarceration or strangulation. Fortunately, on September 17th, Francisco will undergo surgery to repair the hernia at our medical partner’s care center, Clinica Noel. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Francisco's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Francisco’s mother shared: "I want to express my most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the people who have decided to sponsor his surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing us personally; that gesture is one of the purest expressions of human kindness. Your support not only makes this surgery possible and addresses a medical need, but it also restores our peace of mind and fills our hearts with hope that Francisco will once again be able to play and dream without limitations. May God bless you abundantly, multiply your generosity in your life, and continue to guide every endeavor you undertake. With infinite gratitude, Francisco’s mom and the entire family"

Liam is a one-month-old baby boy from Bolivia. He and his mother live they live at the home of his grandmother. Their entire extended family is working to support Liam and his mother during this time. Liam has a cardiac condition called coarctation of the aorta. A narrowing of the aorta that causes blood to back up and places strain on the heart. On August 11th, Liam will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will surgically repair the affected section of the aorta so that it is a more normal size. Liam'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. Liam's grandmother shared, "We are just praying that doctors can help sweet Liam, and he can have a successful surgery. We are so grateful to all the wonderful people who are helping us; we have no words."

Nidhi is a 16-year-old girl from India. She lives in Mirzamurad, a village near Varanasi in northern India. She lives with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Her father works as a halwai, preparing traditional Indian sweets to support the family. Nidhi is currently in the 9th grade and loves dancing. When she was just 2½ years old, Nidhi accidentally fell into a container of hot sugar syrup being used to make gulab jamuns, a sweet dessert. She sustained severe burns to her right chest and arm. Although she received wound care at the time, her family was unable to access reconstructive surgery. As Nidhi grew, the burn scars tightened and developed into contractures, affecting her right breast and elbow. These scars have restricted movement and altered her appearance during adolescence, a time when many young people become increasingly aware of their bodies and self-image. Nidhi's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On June 19th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight burn scars on Nidhi’s right chest and elbow, improving both movement and comfort. The procedure is expected to increase the range of motion in her arm, making everyday activities such as dressing, writing, carrying schoolbooks, and participating in household tasks easier. The surgery will also address the contracture affecting her right breast, allowing for more normal development and reducing the physical discomfort and asymmetry caused by the scar tissue. By reducing the limitations caused by her burn scars, the surgery will allow Nidhi to participate more freely in school, social activities, and her favourite hobby, dancing. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Nidhi shared, "I hope this treatment will make everyday activities easier for me."

Pyae is a 16-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her parents, her sister, and her brother in Mandalay. Her father works as a day labor and her mother sells fruits pickle at home. Pyae and her siblings are students. Pyae was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backwards. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Pyae has chest pain, gets tired easily, and is unable to eat and sleep well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Pyae. The treatment is scheduled to take place on May 15th at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital in Thailand, and once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Pyae said, "If it is not BCMF and its donors, I will not have the right to receive the surgery.” Pyae’s mother said, “I would like to say thank you so much for your support and your cares to us. This kind of opportunity and support, we can not find and receive it inside Burma. I would like to contribute back to BCMF someday in the future.”

Helena is a sweet and intelligent four-year-old girl who lives in Colombia with her family. Her joy and curiosity radiates every day, infecting those around her with her positive energy and tenderness. She enthusiastically shares with her peers, and her friendly nature always leaves an impression. When she grows up, she dreams of being a veterinarian, so she can care for animals. When Helena was born, her mother noticed a small lump in her belly button area, which has since grown in size. She has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct it and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, Helena is scheduled for surgery on March 31st at our medical partner's care center, Clínica Noel. Helena's family is requesting $786 to fund her treatment, which once completed, will hopefully allow her to live a healthier life, free from uncomfortable symptoms. Her family says: "Being able to live a peaceful life is a dream come true. Your support will not only finance a surgery, but it gives us hope, relief, and peace of mind. You are a true angel in our lives."

Wincy is a businesswoman from Malawi. She is a widow with two sons. Her oldest son is in university, and the youngest one is waiting for university selection. Wincy sells tomatoes to support her children. She lost her husband 5 years ago, and she is now completely reliant on her small-scale business to support her family. For five years, Wincy has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms associated with abdominal pain that worsened over time. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, and proper treatment was prescribed. Since then, she has been visiting different hospitals and taking different blood boosters to avoid anaemia and relieve her pains. Her business has been significantly affected. On February 4th, Wincy visited our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where she was seen by a gynecologist, who confirmed her condition and the need for surgery. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Wincy's surgery. On March 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery. Once recovered, Wincy will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Wincy said, "My condition has failed me. I cannot concentrate on my business to support my children fully at school as a single mother. If chances allow, kindly help to support my family and me."

Joshua is a 12-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents, who are livestock keepers, and is one of five children in the family. Joshua is currently in middle school and is described as a bright and responsible child. He enjoys completing his homework and helping care for animals after school. Joshua dreams of becoming a politician when he grows up. For the last three years, Joshua has experienced limited hand movement, making tasks such as writing, feeding himself, and helping with household chores difficult. His doctors recommend an amputation of Joshua's left hand, which has a burn scar with contractures involving multiple fingers. This will prevent his symptoms from getting worse as he grows. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Joshua's surgery on February 17th. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully help improve his health and quality of life. After recovering, Joshua is looking forward to improved hand function that will enable him to regain independence in daily activities and continue developing his leadership potential without physical barriers. Joshua's father says, “He cannot grip objects well because some fingers are damaged and tight from the scar.”

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."

Lia is a young student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who is a truck driver, and her two younger siblings. Lia's mom noticed that her daughter had a constant headache, body aches, and dizziness. She took Lia to the doctor, which led to her being diagnosed with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Lia's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On December 16th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Lia'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. Lia's mother shared, "I just hope my daughter has good health after the surgery, and stops being sick so often."

Henry is 41 years old and a father of two from Malawi. Before his illness, he worked full-time as a security guard at a local church near his home in rural Lilongwe. Since the operation, he has been unable to resume work and now depends largely on his wife, who has also been unable to engage in farming because they spend most of their time in and out of hospitals. As a result, their children have also suffered the impact of this financial and emotional strain. One year ago, Henry began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, difficulty standing upright, blurred vision, and blood in his urine due to intestinal perforation following a motorbike accident. He underwent surgery where a stoma was created to divert intestinal waste while his intestines healed. Henry has lived with this stoma for over a year, enduring both physical and emotional challenges. Fortunately, his wound has now healed, and he is ready for a reversal procedure to restore normal intestinal function, but he needs financial support. Physicians need to perform a laparotomy to open up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,244 to fund Henry's surgery. On November 11th, he will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. “My condition is unbearable; I truly need God’s intervention. I have experienced firsthand how real stigma can be,” said Henry during the assessment.