Alisse is a three-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives in southwestern Bolivia with her mom and dad, who both work in a small convenience store. Her parents noticed she was not growing properly and frequently became sick, and took her to the local doctor, who discovered a heart murmur; she was then referred to La Paz to see the cardiologists there. Alisse has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Alisse's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. On July 22nd, Alisse will undergo cardiac 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. Alisse'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. Alisse's father shared, "We just pray our little girl can have a successful surgery; we came from far away seeking help."

Gedeon is a 23-year-old college student from Haiti. He comes from a coastal city in southwest Haiti and is studying biology and science in the hope of one day becoming a cardiac echocardiographer. When Gedeon was younger, with help from the Watsi community, he underwent life-saving cardiac surgery in Texas to replace his damaged mitral valve. At the time, doctors knew his aortic valve was also damaged, but chose not to replace it due to the risk of the surgery. Now, Gedeon is ready to undergo a second surgery to replace his aortic valve. Gedeon has a cardiac condition called rheumatic aortic regurgitation. The valves of his heart were severely damaged by an infection he suffered in childhood, and now cannot adequately pump blood through his body. On May 21st, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $25,000 to pay for the surgery. Gedeon's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow up. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to support travel, labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. Gedeon said, "I know God made a miracle for me to have my first surgery, and is making another miracle for me now!"

Aye is a six-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, who are small-scale farmers. They sell their extra vegetables and livestock for additional income every couple of months. Aye and his sister are both students in the village. In his free time, Aye plays games on his mother's phone and enjoys playing football with his friends. He dreams of becoming a professional footballer when he grows up, just like his idol Ronaldo. In 2024, Aye's mother noticed a small mass on the left side of his neck. Over the next four months, she watched it grow in size. Currently, the mass measures 15 cm and continues to grow despite previous treatment. Aye feels no pain and is not impaired in any way, but his mother is deeply worried about what it could be and anxious about the cost of his care. Fortunately, on April 22nd, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, will help Aye undergo mass removal surgery. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Aye needs your support to fund the surgery. Aye's mother said, “I hope that once he recovers, I can send him back to school. I hope he becomes a teacher in the future since there is a shortage of teachers in our village. Thank you for your help.”

Altiya is a lively baby girl with boundless curiosity from Ethiopia. She is always exploring and playing with anything she can find around her. Toys and other items captivate her, reflecting her joyful spirit. The name “Altiya” means “happy” in Afan Oromo, and her family was overjoyed when she was born. Altiya lives in a single room with her parents and her paternal grandparents. Her mother is a dedicated housewife, while her father works as a farmer, providing for the family through agricultural activities. Farming sustains both her immediate family and her father’s extended relatives. Altiya was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. When her mother first noticed Altiya’s condition, panic set in, and she struggled to believe that a surgical solution was possible. It took two months, but with the support of their family, her mother eventually decided to seek medical help. After visiting a local hospital, they were referred for further treatment. However, upon learning about the high costs involved, Altiya's mother felt overwhelmed and began to lose hope, unsure of how to proceed. After reaching out to those around her, Altiya's mother learned about Mother Teresa Mission from a neighbor and decided to seek help there. The MOC staff provided invaluable support, helping them travel to Addis Ababa for advanced treatment. They arranged accommodation, meals, and other essential services, and guided them to the Bethany kids center. This collaboration opened doors for Altiya, enabling her to receive the necessary care without the burden of financial stress. Her first surgery was remarkable and successful, restoring hope for the future. With deep gratitude, her mother expresses sincere appreciation for the support they have received and looks forward with hope to the success of the upcoming procedures. Altiya is scheduled to undergo another surgery to correct her condition on March 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Altiya's procedure and care. After her recovery, Altiya will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Altiya's mom said, "I am truly grateful for your incredible support. After this treatment journey, I feel happy knowing that my child will be healthy following the surgery. Please continue to provide your support; it means the world to us."

Nancy is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. She has undergone multiple procedures across different specialties, including pediatric surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic care. Each surgery was a step toward healing, yet each also took a heavy toll on her young body and spirit. Anxiety and fear make the hospital visits deeply distressing for her. Meanwhile, her father, the sole provider for the family, lost his job following a motorbike accident and has been unable to return to work. The emotional toll on Nancy’s parents has been overwhelming. Her father's greatest wish is simple and heartfelt: he longs to see his daughter healed, free from frequent hospital visits, and able to live a normal childhood filled with play, laughter, and possibility. Following five previous procedures, Nancy now requires a colostomy reversal surgery in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. It is the next step in her journey toward healing and normalcy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Nancy. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 5th. Once completed, Nancy should be able to live more comfortably and confidently. Nancy’s father shared, "I never imagined my three-year-old would know so much pain. As a father, all I want is for Nancy to get well, stop coming back to the hospital so often, and live a normal, happy life."

Enifa is a 25-year-old woman from Malawi. She is married and a mother of two children, ages six and ten. Together with her husband, she supports her family through tomato farming. Enifa had been in good health until 2024, when her husband noticed changes in her neck and encouraged her to seek medical care. As the swelling in her neck increased, she made several hospital visits. In early 2025, after the growth became more pronounced, she was diagnosed with a goiter. Her symptoms continued to progress despite ongoing care. In December 2025, as her condition worsened further, Enifa was taken to our medical partner care center, Partners In Health. for further evaluation. There, she was assessed by a surgeon who conducted the necessary tests and confirmed the diagnosis of goiter, as well as the need for surgical treatment through a procedure known as a thyroidectomy. This surgery involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland, depending on findings at the time of surgery. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and produces hormones essential for metabolism, growth, and many other bodily functions. Over the past fourteen months, Enifa has experienced increasing symptoms, including neck pain, difficulty carrying heavy items on her head, and episodes of choking at night. Surgery is recommended to prevent further worsening of these symptoms and to restore her quality of life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Enifa receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 13th at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1015, and she and her family need help raising money. Enifa hopes that the surgery will restore her health so she can continue caring for her children and resume her farming work. “The choking at night is terrifying me, and I am afraid of death; please help me, I have young kids." said Enifa.

Yuliana is a four-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. Yuliana lives with her mom, who is a homemaker; her dad, who works in construction; and her older brother. When Yuliana was born, her mother noticed that she struggled to breathe and was frequently agitated. Two weeks ago, Yuliana could not breathe, so her parents took her to the emergency room, where her heart problem was discovered. Yuliana has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Yuliana's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On December 9th, Yuliana will undergo cardiac 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. Yuliana'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. Yuliana's mother shared, "I'm grateful I could find people who can help my daughter, I pray all goes well!"

Mary is 47 years old and a farmer from Malawi. She is married and has five children. Together with her husband, she depends on farming for their livelihood. Her two eldest children are married with families of their own, while she lives with her three younger children, who are still in Primary Seven and Primary Five. Since 2017, Mary has been experiencing abdominal pains associated with severe bleeding. Initially, she assumed it was normal, but the condition worsened in November 2024, prompting her to visit the hospital. The condition has greatly affected her health and left her too weak to concentrate on farming, the family’s only source of income. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Mary's surgery. On November 8th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Mary shared, "The discomfort from abdominal fullness is too much. l wish I could be well again, and regain my strength."