Merlin is the 2nd and last born in the family. She hails from Mathare in Nairobi County. She is a pre-primary pupil at Mathare primary school. She was brought to our hospital by her mother and a community health worker from within their region. Merlin's mother is a single parent and a casual labourer. She washes clothes does any household job that she can find which earns about $3 to $5 a day. Merlin was born normal however her mother noticed a swelling on her hip. She was taken to a hospital within Mathare where she underwent for treatment. Later she fell and was taken to Kenyatta National hospital and surgery was done on her right foot. Since then, the condition has never improved and Merlin has been experiencing pain and discomfort as she walks. Her mother came to CURE for a consultation where the x-ray indicated that Merlin's right hip is dislocated. She was booked to fix her right hip dislocation. She currently limps as she walks and also feels pain. This has affected her while going to school and sometimes forces her to stay at home. Merlin's mother cannot raise the estimated bill and thus requested help from Watsi and CURE as well. “I am pleading to CURE and Watsi to help my daughter undergo surgery so that she can walk well," Melvin’s mother pleaded.

Marthe is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She is in seventh grade and is an excellent student. Marthe has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her sick and short of breath. Marthe will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On September 9, 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 $17,000 to pay for surgery. Marthe'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 Marthe's family overseas. She says, "I am looking forward to my surgery so that I can stop worrying about my heart!"

Varn is a grandfather from Cambodia. He has two daughters, four sons, and ten grandchildren. He is a rice farmer. He likes to read about Buddha and listen to monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Varn developed glaucoma in his left eye. Glaucoma refers to damage to the eye's optic nerve, or the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. This causes him burning, itchiness, a clouded lens, and photophobia. It is difficult to recognize his loved ones' faces, and he is in pain. Varn traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 1, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a glaucoma procedure to improve his vision. Now, Varn needs help to raise $259 to fund this procedure. He says, "I hope I can recognize the faces of my grandchildren and return to work soon after the surgery."