Bedens is a baby from Haiti. He lives with his parents on an island off the west coast of Haiti. His father is a local radio presenter, and his mother cares for him at home. Bedens has a cardiac condition called coarctation of the aorta. A portion of his aorta has a muscular blockage, causing blood to back up into his heart and leading to heart failure. Bedens will fly to United States to receive treatment. On March 20, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will cut out the blockage in his aorta so that blood can flow more freely. Another organization, Akron Children's Hospital, is contributing $35,000 to pay for surgery. Bedens'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 Bedens's family overseas. His father says, "My entire family is very grateful for this opportunity to save my son's life!"

Meet Aung, an eight-year-old boy from Burma! Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), tells us, "Aung really enjoys school and likes studying; he says that he would like to become an eye doctor when he grows up.” Aung has been fighting cancer and previously had his eye removed to prevent tumor spread. The tumor has now spread to his eye socket and needs to be removed. "The tumor currently causes Aung physical and mental discomfort," BBP explains. "After his eye was removed it was hoped that his condition would improve, however, the spread of the tumor has been very difficult for him and his mother. It is physically painful and also causes him a headaches and becomes tired easily." For $1,500, Aung will receive the necessary surgery to remove the tumor. Aung’s mother says, “I really want my son to continue with his education – I never had the opportunity and have had to work a physically difficult job my whole life. I am completely determined to get him treatment no matter how many surgeries he needs.” Let’s help Aung get healthy again!

Violet is a teacher pregnant with her second child. She told Lwala, "My husband has a small business selling eggs," but their income is small. Violet is nervous because she had complications with her first child. She hopes she will have a safe delivery, and is grateful for Lwala's help. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are a leading cause of death for women aged 15-44. Lwala Community Alliance is helping to ensure that Violet stays healthy and is prepared for her baby. The $215 will fund prenatal care, hospital delivery and a post-natal check-up.

Pemphero is a sweet girl whose parents want her to live a normal, healthy life. She is at the age where she is beginning to want to walk and run, but a medical condition threatens to prevent her from being able to live an active life. Pemphero was born with bowed legs, a condition which causes her legs to turn inward and makes it difficult for her to walk. Her parents are worried that without treatment, Pemphero will miss out on opportunities that her peers will have in school, work, and adult life. Pemphero lives in Malawi, where 74% of people live on less than $1.25 a day. CURE International can perform surgery to treat her condition, but her parents cannot afford to pay for her care. We hope to raise the $1000 needed to cover the cost of Pemphero’s treatment and enable her to live a happy, active life.