Flor is a three-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mother, who helps her with physical therapy every day so that she will be able to learn to walk despite having cerebral palsy. Flor has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. When she was a baby, she had heart surgery to stabilize her heart with a pulmonary artery band until the hole in her heart could more safely be closed. Now that she is older, she is ready for a second surgery to remove the band and completely repair her heart defect. On September 30th, Flor will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in Flor's heart, so that blood will no longer leak through it. Flor's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to help cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Flor's mother said, "I'm glad my daughter can have her heart surgery now. We have been waiting a long time for her to be completely healthy, but I'm grateful, and I pray that all goes well!"

Kreshzna is a 12-year-old girl from the Philippines. She is in the sixth grade, loves studying, and excels in class. She enjoys drawing and is eagerly involved in school. Her father works as a carwash attendant and is the sole breadwinner of the family. Her mother had to stop working to care for her Kreshzna full time. Kreshzna was born with a congenital condition in the lower digestive tract, which leads to a partial or complete intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to address her condition. Fortunately, on September 12th, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, will help Kreshzna undergo corrective surgery. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising $1,123 to cover the remaining cost of Kreshzna's procedure and care. "We are deeply grateful for Kreshzna's surgery. This helps a lot with our financial burden, and it gives our daughter a chance to receive the treatment we have been waiting for since she was an infant," Kreshzna's family shared.

Matias, who is nine months old, lives in eastern Bolivia with his parents and his older brother. His mother is a homemaker, while his father works selling car parts. Matias' mother noticed that he had a very low appetite and struggled with his milk bottle. She took him to a doctor, who discovered that Matias has a cardiac condition called atrioventricular septal defect. Because of this condition, Matias has a large hole in the center of his heart, causing blood from all four of the heart's chambers to mix. Therefore, the blood doesn't circulate properly to deliver oxygen to Matias' body. The heart works too hard, making it difficult for Matias to grow and to have enough energy. Matias also has Down syndrome. On March 3rd, Matias will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will use patches to close the hole in the center of his heart, so that blood flows normally through the chambers. Matias's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Matias' mother said: "I pray my son will have a successful surgery, so he can have a healthy life. I have to be strong for him."

Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.

Srey Neang is 18 years old and a twelfth-grade student from a small village in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. She lives with her parents, who are rice farmers. She is the second of four siblings; her older brother works in a garment factory, while her two younger siblings are in school. She enjoys studying literature, which is her favorite subject at school, and she hopes to become a teacher in the future. In her free time, she likes listening to music and helping with housework. Her favorite food is spicy stir-fried chicken. Srey Neang has had scoliosis since she was 13 years old, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, often forming a “C” or “S” shape. As she has grown, the curve in her spine has progressively worsened and now bends toward the right side. This condition causes frequent pain and makes it difficult for her to sit for extended periods. Because of this, she struggles to concentrate in class and feels worried about being bullied by her classmates due to her appearance. She also experiences difficulty walking, which further affects her daily life. In the past, Srey Neang had not sought hospital treatment because her family could not afford the cost. Recently, a relative informed her family about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). On February 6th, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal “growing rod” into her spine to help correct the curve and allow for continued spinal growth. Her family can only afford to contribute $75 and needs help with the remaining $1,425. This will cover the costs of surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. Srey Neang's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that Srey Neang will no longer have any pain so that she can do a good job at school and focus on her studies.”

Grace is a two-year-old girl from Burma. She lives in a refugee camp in Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Ten years ago, her parents moved to the camp to escape the fighting in their village in Burma. Grace lives with her parents, older sister, two aunts, uncle, and her uncle’s wife. Grace’s mother raises pigs and chickens to sell in the camp, and her father is a day laborer. Since birth, Grace has had a hernia granuloma. Currently, Grace’s umbilicus produces bloody discharge every day. While Grace does not experience any pain, her mother’s anxiety grows each passing day. Fortunately, on January 19th, Grace will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Grace's hernia repair surgery. The procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Grace's mother shared, “I worry about what will happen to her if she doesn’t have this issue fixed now. The doctors told us that we needed to go to Chiang Mai for her treatment, which would cost a lot of money. We can't afford that. We don’t know what will happen to her.” Grace’s mom is extremely thankful to the donors for their financial support. She said, “Thank you so much to the donors for helping my child. I want to say so much, but I don’t know what to say. God has finally found a way for my child to receive treatment.”

Stella is a lively and cheerful six-year-old girl. She is the third of five children and brings joy to everyone around her. Her parents are small-scale farmers. Stella recently started school and is excited about learning. She loves singing with her classmates, playing simple games, and helping her mother at home. Stella has a clubfoot on her right side, a condition present since birth. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Her parents sought treatment locally in the past, but due to financial limitations, they were unable to continue. Currently, it is difficult for Stella to keep up with other children, especially when walking long distances to school. Fortunately, Stella's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on December 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Stella's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will walk comfortably, stay in school, and look forward to a future full of possibilities. Stella’s mother says, “I wish nothing but the best for Stella. We may lack financial means, but we will find means for her to get help.”

Mary is 47 years old and a farmer from Malawi. She is married and has five children. Together with her husband, she depends on farming for their livelihood. Her two eldest children are married with families of their own, while she lives with her three younger children, who are still in Primary Seven and Primary Five. Since 2017, Mary has been experiencing abdominal pains associated with severe bleeding. Initially, she assumed it was normal, but the condition worsened in November 2024, prompting her to visit the hospital. The condition has greatly affected her health and left her too weak to concentrate on farming, the family’s only source of income. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. 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 Mary's surgery. On November 8th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Mary shared, "The discomfort from abdominal fullness is too much. l wish I could be well again, and regain my strength."

U Shwe is a 64-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, son, two daughters, and two grandchildren in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. He and his wife are retired, and his daughters and grandchildren are students. His son works as a freelance Burmese-Thai translator, and another daughter works at a dormitory, and sends money to support the family when she can. In early February 2025, U Shwe had a pain in two of his teeth. He had tehm extracted, which which seemed to solve the problem. However, when he went for a check-up for his diabetes in May, the medic conducted an oral exam and noticed that white spots that resembled a tumor were found in his gums. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital, for specialized care. Currently, U Shwe is experiencing severe pain inside and outside his mouth. Due to the pain, he can only eat soup and soft foods, and has difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. On October 6th, U Shwe will undergo a tumor removal surgery. He needs help to raise $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. U Shwe said, “I hope that after my surgery I will feel better when eating and sleeping that I can eat and sleep with my family again.”