Sophal is a woman from Cambodia. She has three sons, four daughters, and fourteen grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching TV, and spending time at home. Five months ago, she developed degenerative formina stenosis of the spine. This causes her immense back pain, and she has been unable to walk and work. Sophal needs to undergo a laminectomy procedure. This will help relieve the pressure on her spine and help her walk independently, and she will be able to return to work. The surgery is scheduled for December 3 and will cost $930. She says, "After the operation, I hope I can walk well and can return to work."

Andy is a 12-year-old boy from Dominican Republic. He lives with his parents. His mother works as an office administrator, and his father works as a chef to support their family. Andy enjoys going to school and watching baseball on TV. Andy was born with a complex congenital heart condition that involves many defects including one heart valve that does not open and close properly, causing blood to back up into his heart, and leaving him feeling weak and short of breath. Throughout his childhood, Andy has undergone many heart surgeries to repair his heart. This surgery is the last one he needs to repair his mitral valve. Andy will fly to the Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On August 31, he will undergo cardiac surgery. This $27,000 surgery is subsidized by Have a Heart Cayman. Andy's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Andy's family overseas. Although Andy is not from Haiti, Haiti Cardiac Alliance is collaborating with partners to make his surgery possible. "I would like to share my entire family's gratitude to everyone who is helping my son become healthy!" says Andy's mother.

Nakanwagi is a 52-year-old businesswoman from Uganda. She is a widowed mother of four children, all of whom go to school. Seven years ago, Nakanwagi noticed a swelling on her abdomen that would occasionally disappear and reappear. Concerned, she visited a hospital where scans indicated no cause for concern. As time passed, the swelling grew and became more painful. Upon visiting the hospital again, Nakanwagi was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, meaning that some of her intestines are protruding through her abdominal muscles at the navel. Absent of treatment, the hernia may strangle the intestines, cutting off blood supply to the surrounding tissues and causing Nakanwagi further, more severe medical complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Nakanwagi's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 29 and, once completed, should greatly improve Nakanwagi's quality of life. “I hope to continue with my business when fine because my condition has always affected my working rate as I feel pain on lifting," says Nakanwagi.

A few months ago, My, a 23-year-old young man from Cambodia, was involved in a traffic accident. He sustained a fracture to his right femur. My, a garment factory worker, tells our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), "Since the accident, I haven't been able to go to work because I can't walk." Traffic accidents are frequent in Cambodia, yet effective treatment is not always easily accessible. Many self-medicate or seek traditional healers. CSC reports, "My received traditional Khmer treatment for three months, during which healers gave him rice, wine, and ancient medicines, but his condition did not improve." For $405, My’s femur will be surgically reset so that it heals in proper alignment. He will be able to walk again, and without pain. My, who loves to watch the news, football, and volleyball on television shares, "After I am healed I hope I can go back to work at the garment factory.”

Meet Sokhom, a 54-year-old mother and grandmother from Camboida. Sokhom enjoys watching TV and going to the pagoda, but over the last several years, her ability to do this has drastically changed. Sokhom has been partially blind for four years due to the hypermature cataracts in both eyes. “I am unhappy I cannot do things for myself or my family. It is difficult for me to work on the rice farm,” says Sokhom. To get the appropriate treatment for her cataracts, Sokhom needs a small incision cataract surgery. This treatment will prevent Sokhom from becoming blind while also restoring her current eyesight. With $100, we can support Sokhom on her journey to health!