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!"

Tasmiya is a bright, curious five-year-old girl from India. Tasmiya's father works in the carpet industry; her mother is a homemaker. Her favourite fruit is mango, and like any child her age, she wants to run, play, and go to school with her friends. She is the second of four daughters, and her father describes her as a girl who loves to study. Her face lit up whenever school was mentioned, but her injury made it difficult for her to continue her education. About a year ago, Tasmiya was playing with a friend when she accidentally fell into hot water, causing severe scald burns. The burns covered a large area of her chest, affecting both sides, including tissue near her breasts and chest wall, as well as her right thigh. As the burns healed, they left thick, raised scarring across her chest and thigh, and most disabling of all, a scar contracture at her right elbow that has pulled the joint out of its normal position. The contracture in the right elbow has left her unable to fully extend or use her arm normally. Simple daily tasks like writing, dressing, and carrying a school bag are difficult for her right now. Tasmiya has not been able to go to school or continue her education, something her father says weighs on her, since she loves learning. As she grows, the scarring on her chest also carries the risk of restricting normal development if left untreated. Tasmiya's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On September 2nd, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery. This will release the contracture and help restore use of her arm, allowing her to write and carry a school bag, dress herself, and do everyday things other five-year-olds do without a second thought. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Tasmiya's father shared, "I am happy that she will have her surgery done, and I am confident because my neighbour, who had severe contractures, was treated here and is fully healed. I have full faith in Tasmiya's recovery."

Abebech is a 39-year-old nun from Ethiopia. She has devoted her life to serving others and works tirelessly for her church community by preparing meals, washing clothes, and handling every duty given to her. Abebech is currently suffering from a painful internal growth (myoma) that requires urgent medical care. Because she lives as a nun, she does not have family to lean on during this painful health trial and relies on the hospital and her community of nuns to get the care she needs to heal and continue her spiritual work. For four years, Abebech has been experiencing worrisome symptoms that make it difficult to live her daily life. She has been diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. Abebech needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Even though she believes that both joy and hardship are natural parts of life's journey, this illness has been truly overwhelming. Dealing with months of heavy bleeding, severe pain, and constant hospital visits—all without an income—leaves her feeling sad and frustrated at times. Fortunately, Abebech is scheduled to undergo a myomectomy on July 30th at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $1,050 to fund her surgery. Abebech shared that she hopes this surgery will allow her to be free from pain so she can return to the peaceful, quiet routine of her daily life.

Jean Marco is a one-month-old baby boy from Bolivia. He lives with his mom, a homemaker; his dad, a driver; and his two older siblings. When Jean Marco was born, his parents noticed that he was blue and not breathing well. He was born with a heart condition called total anomalous pulmonary vein return. The pulmonary veins are connected to an abnormal location in the heart, and as a result, oxygen-poor blood is circulated through the body rather than being sent to the lungs. On July 1sr, Jean Marco will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will reattach the vessels to the heart at the normal location, so that blood can flow normally through the heart and body. Jean Marco's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Jean Marco's mother shared, "I am so grateful for the wonderful people who work here; everyone on the medical team is kind and thoughtful, very capable and professional."

Michelsa is a young student from Haiti. She is in the first grade and likes art and music. Michelsa lives with her mother, grandmother, and two siblings in a city on the west coast of Haiti. Her mother sews school uniforms for a living. Michelsa has a cardiac condition called pulmonary stenosis. One of the four valves in Michelsa's heart is too narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow through it and leading to heart failure. Michelsa will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 11th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a balloon on the end of a catheter to stretch the valve open to a more normal size. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4,000 to pay for surgery. Michelsa's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Michelsa's family overseas. Michelsa's mother shares, "Our family is very hopeful that after this surgery, we can let my daughter run and play without worrying about her health."

Serah is a jovial lady from Kenya. When you see Serah laughing or talking, you might think she is youthful. However, Serah is 84 years old according to her ID card, although she says she is actually older than that. Serah’s father advised her to remain at her parents’ home, and that is where she continued living, as she had separated from her husband years ago. As she grew older, one of her brother’s sons took her in so she could live with his family. Sometime in the middle of last month, during the ongoing rains and wet conditions, Serah slipped and fell, injuring her left hand. She was taken to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she had sustained a closed fracture of the radius and ulna. A surgery was performed. However, a follow-up control X-ray later showed that the screws were becoming displaced, and Serah now requires a repeat surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 9th, Serah will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will help alleviate the pain and prevent a deformity. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund Serah's procedure. "I live a life of disturbing my siblings' children. I hope I can get someone to help me so that I can be operated on and be able to remain independent," said Serah.

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."

Miguel is a seven-year-old happy, intelligent child full of dreams. He has a pure heart, always radiates joy, and shows a great desire to succeed. Miguel wishes to become a teacher when he grows up, and is passionate about learning and sharing his knowledge with others. In May 2025, Miguel began experiencing discomfort in his mouth due to multiple cavities. He was evaluated by a dental specialist, who determined that a treatment procedure under general anesthesia was necessary to ensure his well-being. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is helping Miguel receive treatment. On January 20th, he will undergo treatment to clear the infection and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, helping him regain his smile and become healthier. Now, Miguel's family needs help to fund this $868 procedure. Miguel's mother says, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the donors who are supporting my son, Miguel. Your generous gesture is much more than material help; it is a sign of selfless love, of belief in dreams, and of light at a time when we urgently needed it. Thanks to your big hearts, Miguel will be able to receive the treatment he so desperately needs and, with it, regain the smile and quality of life that every child deserves. Seeing someone who does not know you personally offering you support is the purest reflection of human kindness. May God continue to bless you and guide every step in the valuable work you do."

Luc is a toddler from Haiti. He lives in northern Haiti with his father, a teacher, his mother, a homemaker, and one older brother; he likes to help his mother around the house and feed the family's chickens. Luc has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Luc will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On December 17th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $ 6,000 toward surgery costs. Luc's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. They need help to raise $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Luc's family overseas. Luc's mother shared, "Our family has faith that this surgery will go well and our son's heart will be healed!"

Winner is a four-year-old girl from Tanzania. As the only surviving child from a set of triplets, her mother sees her as a miracle child whose life has always been precious. Winnie lives with her mother at her grandparents’ home, surrounded by love but also daily economic hardship. Her mother works as a farmer and occasionally earns extra income by working on other people’s farms. Despite her struggles, she has remained determined to give Winner the best life possible. Winner has been diagnosed with windswept medical condition - her legs bend at the knee so that they appear windswept. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. The condition has gradually made walking more tiring, often forcing her to slow down while other children continue to play, and causing her pain around her waist. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Winner. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 18th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Winner's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Winner's mother says, "All I wish is for my daughter to have a good life, and I pray that I will be able to provide this for her in the long run."