Abibatu is a three-year-old little girl from Sierra Leone. She lives with her parents and two older brothers. Abibatu likes to dress up and go to church with her family. Abibatu was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving several related defects including a hole between two chambers of her heart and a muscular blockage in one of the heart's valves. On August 2, Abibatu will be traveling from her home in Sierra Leone to our medical partner's care center, Narayana Institute Of Cardiac Sciences, in Bangalore, India. Although Abibatu is not from Haiti, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with other partners to make her surgery possible, and so is asking for $1,500 to help cover the cost of Abibatu's surgery prep. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, has contributed $12,000 towards her treatment. We are also fundraising for her [transportation costs](https://watsi.org/profile/468cd870f0a3-abibatu). "Our family is all very excited that there is hope for Abibatu to become healthy!" says Abibatu's mother.

Kerry is a student from Haiti. He lives with his parents and two brothers in Gonaives, a city on the west coast of Haiti. His father is a bus driver, and his mother works in the market. He is in the fourth grade and enjoys math and science. Kerry has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that normally closes soon after birth instead remains open. Blood flows through it, bypassing the lungs and depriving the body of the oxygen it needs. On October 6, he will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner's care center. During surgery, surgeons will tie off the blood vessel so that blood can no longer enter it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery. Kerry's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications. He says, "I am excited to have this surgery so that I can play soccer without getting tired!"

Michael is a three-year-old baby from Tanzania. He is happy and loves playing with other children. He has not started school yet. Michael lives with his family of six. Michael’s father sells shoes, while his mother sells fresh maize at the market. Michael was diagnosed with bilateral congenital genu varus. Michael's legs are bowed outwards, with his ankles touching. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he feels pain and tiredness when walking, running, or lifting heavy objects. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Michael. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 17. Treatment will hopefully restore Michael's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Michael’s mother says, “I will take very good care of Michael when he gets treated and make sure to take him to school after recovery of his legs."

Evance is a five-year-old boy with Down Syndrome. He loves playing and making new friends. He is the youngest in a family of eight children. Evance’s parents are both farmers who own a small piece of land. The family lives in Tanzania. Evance has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Evance traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on November 14. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $890 to fund Evance's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Evance will be able to walk, play, and attend school without pain. Evance’s mother says, “I am grateful that my son will be able to walk and attend school. Thank you all so much for giving him a chance at a normal life.”

Myo is a first grade student from Burma. She lives with her family in Myawaddy, Karen State, Burma. Not long ago, Myo's school teacher noticed that she was unable to see the board. At home, her grandparents noticed that she held books extremely close to her face. Myo has been diagnosed with cataracts. Her family fears that she will be hit by a motorbike or car. They also worry about her future and ability to pursue her education if she does not receive treatment. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Myo. On November 1, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Myo's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Myo says, “When I grow up I want to learn how to be a doctor."

Marcus is a student from Haiti. He lives with his parents and two brothers in the mountains of central Haiti. He is in the sixth grade and would like to be an engineer when he grows up. Marcus has a cardiac condition called severe mitral regurgitation. Marcus suffered an infection several years ago, which severely damaged one of his heart valves, making it difficult for his heart to pump blood to his body. Marcus will fly to Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On November 4, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first try to repair his damaged valve, and if needed, will replace it with a mechanical valve. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is contributing $22,000 to pay for surgery. Marcus'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 Marcus's family overseas. Marcus says, "I am excited for my surgery so I can have the energy to play with my friends."

Jonalyn is a four-year-old girl living in the Philippines with her aunt. Jonalyn's biological parents have separated, and her aunt is her primary guardian. During the day, she helps her aunt do household chores, such as washing the dishes and cleaning the house. When Jonalyn was two years old, she was diagnosed with Hirshsprung's Disease, a congenital disorder where there are missing nerve cells in the muscle tissue surrounding the colon, causing bowel dysfunction. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, has scheduled a procedure to correct this condition. The total cost of the procedure is $1,500, and covers supplies, medications, transportation, and six days of inpatient care. The procedure is scheduled for July 26.