Risham is a three-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh, India. He lives with his mother and older brother. His father passed away last year, and his mother, a homemaker, has cared for the family on her own since then. Risham is described as a playful little boy who loves to have fun. When Risham was just one year old, he accidentally put his hand in hot milk, suffering severe burns. As the burns healed, the scarring caused his right index, middle, ring, and little fingers to contract, limiting the use of his hand. He wants to continue school and write, but because of the contracture, he currently uses his left hand. Risham's mother learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On September 10th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him regain mobility and function in his right hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Risham's mother shared, "I feel hopeful, and it would be good if he gets the treatment; he can start writing again."

Camila is a sweet young girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who maintains a small store from home so that she has more time to spend caring for her daughter. Camila has five older siblings. She likes to go to school, and she loves to paint. When Camila was a baby, doctors told her mom she had a heart condition that may close with time, but as she has grown older, the heart condition has affected her health more and more. Camila also has developmental disabilities. Camila has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect, where a hole exists between the two lower chambers of the heart that causes blood to leak as the heart pumps. Camila's condition prevents blood from circulating in her body normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On April 15th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, a patch will be sewn over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Camila'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. Camila's mother shared, "I'm so happy my daughter can receive the treatment she needs. We were waiting for a long time."

Musa is a jovial and sociable 14-year-old boy from Narok County in Kenya. He is the last born in a family of seven, and is currently a Grade 7 student. His mother is a home maker, while his father works as a small-scale farmer to provide for their family. Like many boys his age, Musa enjoys being active, but his biggest dream is to become an athlete in the future. However, Musa’s journey has not been easy. He was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition where the feet are twisted out of shape, which makes walking and running difficult. Because of this condition, Musa has often struggled with mobility, which has limited his ability to run and participate in sports like other children. Despite these challenges, Musa has not given up on his dreams. Musa is not new to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital. He previously underwent surgery on his right foot, which is now corrected, greatly improving his mobility. Musa now needs corrective surgery on his left foot. Although resources are limited, Musa’s parents remain hopeful and supportive as their son continues his treatment journey. Musa was admitted to the hospital, and is currently undergoing serial casting in preparation for surgery on his left foot. Musa is scheduled for clubfoot repair surgery on March 11th at AIC CURE Hopsital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Musa's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to stand upright, walk comfortably, run freely, and continue with his studies without hindrance. Most importantly, it will bring him closer to chasing his dream of becoming an athlete and, perhaps one day, representing Kenya in international athletic events. Musa says: “I really looking forward to standing upright, walking well, and achieving my dream of becoming an athlete in the future."

Caroline is 49 years old and a mother of one from Kenya. She has been battling kidney failure since 2017 and has been on medication and dialysis since then. In 2023, she began experiencing progressive weakness in her legs, which eventually left her unable to walk. She has not been able to work since 2017 and has relied on the support of friends and well-wishers to survive. She has one son, who has his own family and depends on casual jobs to make ends meet, limiting his ability to support her financially. Caroline was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism resulting from kidney failure. This condition has caused mass buildup in her thyroid glands, leading to limb weakness and her inability to walk. Doctors have recommended surgery, which would help restore strength in her limbs and give her the chance to walk again. Unfortunately, Caroline’s insurance does not cover this procedure. With no source of income, she is unable to meet the cost of the surgery. Caroline is therefore reaching out for support to undergo this procedure, recover her mobility, and reduce the level of dependency she is currently experiencing. On February 6th, Caroline will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She needs help to raise $1,500 to fund her procedure and care. Caroline says, “I would really like to walk again so I can do simple things on my own, like walking to the washroom without help.”

Pan Ei is a 24-year-old woman from Burma. Pan Ei’s father is a farmer. Her mother is receiving kidney dialysis treatment and cannot work. Her siblings help their father on the farm. In her free time, she enjoys playing with children and loves playing football. In the future, she hopes to work hard so she can support her family. Pan Ei was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backwards. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Pan Ei suffers from fatigue, insomnia, and pain in her finger joints. Aside from her symptoms, she worries about her health condition and the financial burden of repaying debts. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Pan Ei. The treatment is scheduled to take place on January 17th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Pan Ei expresses her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for helping me with financial support. When I heard that your organization and your donors would provide financial support for me, I felt deeply grateful. Thank you so much for helping with the surgery cost.”

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!"

Hser is a 60-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, children, and grandchildren in a refugee camp in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. His daughter is a teacher, and one of his sons is a day laborer. Hser and his wife run a small grocery shop in the camp. Every month, they receive money on a cash card from a charity organization in the camp. They also raise chickens and a pig for their own consumption. They receive free basic healthcare in the refugee camp. Since 2021, Hser has had an inguinal hernia. Hser is in a lot of pain. He experiences swelling, as well as a burning and aching sensation, preventing him from performing his daily tasks. Fortunately, on November 10th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sariang Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,468 to fund Hser's hernia repair surgery. Once completed, Hser will be able to live more comfortably. Hser said, “I would like my discomfort to disappear, and I would like to be able to work properly. I hope my problem will be treated after my surgery."