Lucy is a seven-month-old baby from Bolivia. She lives with her mother and seven siblings. Her mother runs a small shop out of her home to sell snacks and other products, while her father works in agriculture. Lucy was born with a cleft lip and palate, and is scheduled to have surgery in the coming months. She also has a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus, which causes Lucy's blood to circulate poorly. She experiences a lot of weakness, and she's at risk of heart failure if the issue goes untreated. With three different heart conditions, her doctors plan to first address a hole that exists between two blood vessels next to her heart and then allow her heart to grow before treating her other two conditions. On April 14th, Lucy will undergo heart surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of her cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Lucy's mother shared, "I'm glad we are here at this hospital; we travelled from far so my little daughter can have her surgery."

Phylis is six years old and a primary one student from Uganda. She is the middle child in a family of three, with an older brother in Primary Four and a younger sister in Baby Class. Her mother hopes she grows up to become a lawyer, something that fits her outspoken personality. At home, she is very active with household chores. She washes her clothes, fetches water and firewood, and enjoys washing utensils, which is her favorite chore. For four years, Phylis has had an umbilical hernia. She developed a swelling that has gradually increased in size. It becomes more prominent and painful when she plays, coughs, or lifts something heavy. Recently, the swelling protruded and did not return as it used to. When taken to a government hospital, she was given painkillers and referred to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Fortunately, on March 3rd, Phylis will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Phylis's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Phylis's mother says, “Phylis brings joy to us as a family with her funny words. She is always free, shares everything in a joking way, but the moment I saw her getting quiet and complaining of pain, I knew her pain was real. I kindly request your support for her to get her health back to normal.”