Woodyson is a young student from Haiti. Woodyson lives with his mother and older siblings in central Haiti's rural, mountainous area. He is in the tenth grade and would like to become a teacher. Woodyson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Woodyson underwent surgery six years ago to replace his aortic valve and repair his mitral valve due to a rheumatic fever that severely damaged his heart. Although his repaired mitral valve served him well for six years, he now needs to have his mitral valve replaced with an artificial implant. The surgery he needs is not possible in Haiti, so Woodyson will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On July 7th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove Woodyson's damaged valve and implant an artificial mechanical valve. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital is contributing $20,000 to pay for his surgery. Woodyson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep, travel, and followup. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkups, and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Woodyson overseas. Woodyson shared: "I am excited to be able to have this surgery so that I can feel completely normal and healthy again."

Tyamika is a 14-year-old girl with “knock knees,” a common condition in which the legs are turned inwards. Because of her condition, it’s difficult for Tyamika to walk, let alone run, without intense pain. CURE’s hospital in Malawi can perform an operation on Tyamika that they believe will help her walk. They are confident that with treatment, Tyamika will be relieved of her pain and be able to live a normal life. Tyamika comes from a small farming community in rural Malawi. She remains positive despite her condition, and hopes to become a teacher one day. Tyamika loves school, and looks forward to getting the treatment she needs to do her best in her classes and achieve her dreams.

Dominga is a 55-year-old woman with long-standing diabetes, which has been well controlled. Unfortunately, Dominga recently suffered a cut on the bottom of her foot that became infected and developed into a large diabetic foot ulcer. Without treatment for the ulcer, Dominga could lose her foot. Luckily, Dominga’s condition is curable. With antibiotics and removal of the damaged tissue, Dominga’s infection should clear up, allowing the ulcer to heal and preventing a foot amputation. Doctors at Wuqu’ Kawoq tell us that Dominga has been a strong supporter and advocate for their rural diabetes program for more than five years. Let’s help her get the medical treatment she needs to continue helping others get access to care!

Dudhakala is a 15-year-old girl from Nepal who needs surgery to treat rheumatic heart disease. For the last year, she’s battled worsening symptoms of her condition, including shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and severe tremors that prevent her from walking, playing, or living any kind of a normal life. If given the opportunity to have this surgery, Dudhakala’s whole life will change. Dudhakala has lived with her grandmother since she was 5 years old because her parents are not involved in her life. She loves school, studying Nepali stories, and playing [Kabaddi](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GniFV8PtVhM) with her friends during her free time, but she’s had to limit her activity lately because of her worsening condition. Last month, Dudhakala stopped going to school because she is no longer able to make the 10 minute walk from her home. Her grandmother does the best she can to provide for Dudhakala, but she does not have nearly enough money to cover the cost of her treatment. Despite the challenges thrown her way, Dudhakala remains positive and hopeful about her future. She told her doctors that when she grows up she wants to become a teacher and take care of her grandmother. Let’s make sure a treatable heart condition doesn’t stand in the way of her ability to do it!

Mayda is a 7-year-old girl from Guatemala with an atrial septal defect, a large hole in her heart that causes fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. According to the doctor that confirmed Mayda's diagnosis, "surgery should completely correct her symptoms and allow her to lead a normal life." Mayda also has some issues with her teeth, and the cost of treatment will include preliminary dental work to prevent any infection from spreading from her teeth to her heart during surgery. Mayda's brother has the same heart condition, and is currently being sponsored by Watsi donors as well. Let's ensure they both have the opportunity to live healthy lives together!