Vila is a four-year-old boy from Cambodia. He has three older brothers and enjoys playing with his friends and watching television Vila was playing with his siblings when he put something inside his ear that has now become lodged inside his ear canal. For the last two days, Vila has experienced ear pain and hearing loss. Vila traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 09, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Now, Vila needs help to raise $220 to fund this procedure. "I am worried about my son's condition and I hope that he will no longer suffer any pain and the object will be removed."

Maulito is a young man from Haiti. He lives in Port-au-Prince with his mother; he used to work repairing electronics but has not been able to continue since falling ill. Maulito has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves in his heart has been severely damaged due to a rheumatic fever he suffered several years ago. Maulito will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On September 9th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $35,000 to pay for surgery. Maulito'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 Maulito's family overseas. "I am looking forward to being able to focus on my future after having surgery!"

Ar Kar is a 14-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, two brothers and sister in Htee Poe T’ Ray Village, Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State. In his free times, Ar Kar loves to play football with his friends. Currently, Ar Kar’s eyes are sensitive to light, and bright lights hurt his eyes. He cannot see far, and he sometimes has a headache. Doctors want Ar Kar to undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $414 to cover the cost of Ar Kar's CT scan and care, scheduled for April 24. Ar Kar’s mother said, “I cannot work because I have to accompany him to the hospital and the clinic. I worry that he will not see like others if his condition does not improve. I want his eyes to be normal like other children.”

Baganiza is a farmer from Uganda. He is married and a father of eight children. For seven years, Baganiza has had an inguinal scrotal hernia. This causes him pain and discomfort and if not treated, the hernia may result in intestinal tissue damage or death. Fortunately, on April 10, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Baganiza's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He says, "I like being with others during my free time."

Abigael is a young girl from Kenya. She is the sixth born of seven children. Abigael has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Abigael has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Abigael will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Abigael that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 28 and will drain the excess fluid from Abigael's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Abigael will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl.

Kelvin is a child from Tanzania. He is the eldest in a family of two children. In February last year, Kelvin's clothing caught on fire. He has gone through months of wound dressing. His doctors performed a skin graft surgery in order to cover up his chest wound and help it heal. Now he needs another surgery to release the skin contracture on his right shoulder. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Kelvin receive treatment. On March 4, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery so he will be able to move his right shoulder and hand freely again. Now, he needs help to fund this $608 procedure. Kelvin’s father says, "We are pleased that his wound has now healed please help release the skin contracture.”

Nimusiima is small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is married with eight children. For one year, Nimusiima has been experiencing lower abdominal pain. She has been diagnosed with fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $208 to fund Nimusiima's surgery. On March 12, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Nimusiima will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Nimusiima says, “I hope to have improved quality of life after surgery and I continue with cultivation for the support to my family.”

Baguma is a mechanic from Uganda. He is married and a father of six children. For nine years, Baguma has had an inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him pain and discomfort and if not treated, the hernia may result in intestinal tissue damage and death. Fortunately, on March 13, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Baguma's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He says, "After surgery I will resume with my work.’’

Romy is a 15-year-old boy from the Philippines. He is a curious boy who loves to explore. He was born with a cleft lip and palate. His condition has always caused him difficulty eating, speaking, and communicating with others. Despite these obstacles, Romy is very industrious. He helps his father with household chores and was described as a "peacemaker" in the family. Romy's mother passed away when he was young, so he and his two siblings live with their relatives. His father works as a recycled junk collector, and he has difficulty supporting his children. His father always hoped for Romy to receive treatment, but he could not afford healthcare. When the family learned about our medical partner, International Care Ministries, they were very happy. Romy underwent a repair surgery on December 1. Now, the family needs help to pay his $1,464 medical bill. After recovery, Romy will no longer experience difficulty eating and speaking. His confidence will grow and his quality of life will improve. "We are very thankful that after many years, he will finally undergo surgical correction," says Romy's father. "He will grow to have confidence, and he can live a life like a normal teenager. Romy is a fine boy––he is willing to make sacrifices for his siblings, and he is a great help in the household chores." He continues, "I am thankful that you chose him to be sponsored for surgery....We are so blessed that you have come in our community."

Meet Karen! She is 10 and lives in Guatemala. Karen has Parry-Romberg syndrome, a rare disease that our partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, has struggled to diagnose. Wuqu’ Kawoq writes: "This beautiful young girl has been suffering from progressive atrophy and deformity of her right face for three years. She came to see us six months ago, and we've been thinking really hard about the case, consulting with multiple specialists in Boston and elsewhere." Parry-Romberg syndrome causes progressive loss of bone and muscle in the face. If left untreated, it can lead to extreme and permanent facial deformity. Through all of this, Karen has continued to stay strong. Her doctors describe her as a delightful child with a bright smile and positive outlook. For $1,375, we can help Karen receive treatment that will stop the progressive loss of tissue in her face and give her a chance at a normal life. Let's help Karen win this fight!

As a result of a scan to determine the cause of weakness and numbness in her hand, Chanty was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She needs to have this tumor removed as soon as possible to prevent life-threatening consequences. Chanty is 20 and lives in Cambodia with her parents and six siblings, whom she loves spending time with. She is very ambitious, and hopes to one day get a job that she loves. For $600, Chanty will receive surgery to have her tumor removed. This surgery is expected to be both restorative and preventative, allowing Chanty to move forward with her life free of her current symptoms and the potentially fatal progression of the tumor.