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!"

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.

Cristian is a six-month-old baby boy from Bolivia. He lives with his mother, who works selling propane canisters. As a newborn, she noticed he struggled to breathe and breastfeed, and he was later diagnosed with multiple heart conditions. Cristian has three openings in and near his heart — one between the two upper chambers, one between the two lower chambers, and one between two major blood vessels. These cause blood to leak through without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Fortunately, on June 30th, our medical partner, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría, will help Cristian undergo cardiac surgery to close the openings in his heart. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Cristian needs your support to fund his surgery and care. Cristian's mother shares, "I hope and pray my sweet boy can have his surgery and be a healthy boy!"

Josiani is a five-year-old student from Colombia who lives in Antioquia, with her family. She is smart, charismatic, and very friendly. Her energy is contagious, and her sweetness leaves a special impression on everyone who meets her. She dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up, driven by a desire to help and care for others. From nine months of age, Josiani has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. The hernia has been causing her discomfort that prevents her from doing everyday activities, such as playing, jumping, and enjoying her childhood to the fullest. For this reason, surgery has been recommended to correct it. Fortunately, on June 10th, Josiani is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Josiani's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Josiani’s mother says, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people sponsoring her surgery. I will be eternally grateful for your help and for that very special gesture that is transforming our lives. May God continue to bless your life, filling it with well-being and allowing you to continue being a source of light and support for many more people.”

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."

Hawi is a young student from Ethiopia. At 17 years old, this 9th-grade student is at a very important time in her school life. She works hard at her studies while also taking care of her two younger siblings and helping with chores at home. Because she grew up in a hardworking farming family, she knows how important it is to be strong and active. However, a painful bump on her right hand is now making it very difficult for her to get her work done and keep up with her daily tasks. About a year ago, Hawi started feeling pain in her right hand that made simple movements difficult. Since then, the pain has grown much worse, making it nearly impossible for her to move her hand easily. She feels a constant pressure blocking her movement Hawi traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Hawi needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure. Hawi said, "I look forward to being able to write and do my chores without pain and discomfort."

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."

Faraja is a four-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fourth child in his family and lives with his parents and siblings in a rural community where daily life is shaped by hard work and limited access to specialized healthcare. Like many families in rural areas, Faraja’s parents rely on small-scale farming to support their household. Their income is often unpredictable and heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall. Faraja was diagnosed with wind-swept deformity or left varus and right valgus. As he became more active, the condition became more noticeable, affecting his posture and gait. Simple childhood activities such as walking long distances, playing with other children, or following his parents around the village have become increasingly difficult for him, forcing his mom to carry him on her back most of the time. Several factors can cause this condition, including growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride 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. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund Faraja's treatment. The procedure is scheduled for January 19th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will, hopefully, restore Faraja's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Faraja's father says, "I would like for my boy to grow up with functioning legs so that he gets to enjoy life with his siblings and friends."

Lechisa is 22 years old and the oldest of four siblings from Ethiopia. His father passed away recently. Now, with three younger siblings and a grieving mother relying on him, he has been forced to assume the role of the father of the family. The heavy weight of his family’s future rests on the shoulders of this 22-year-old Grade 9 student. Though his overwhelming responsibilities have caused him to fall behind, he has courageously persisted in his education, repeatedly returning to school despite the pain and the aggressive work required to care for his younger siblings. He helps his mother on the farm to support the family. Four years ago, Lechisa started to experience swelling in his leg. It was causing pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk. Following a consultation with our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that Lechisa undergo a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected, dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on December 6th, Lechisa will undergo treatment, and he needs help to raise $900 to fund his procedure and care. Lechisa shared, "My future is filled with potential and many aspirations, yet this vision is brutally narrowed by my chronic pain. When it intensifies, pain is the only reality I can grasp. I long for liberation—to be pain-free, to continue my studies without interruption, and to reclaim the joy of living."

Biruk is a charming eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He and his two siblings are raised by their single mother, who works as a domestic cook, pushing herself to the limit every day to put food on the table and pay for schooling. She is now extremely worried because of the cost of her son's medical bills, and her small daily earnings, which she works so hard for, are quickly disappearing, swallowed by the cost of his treatment. Two years ago, Biruk came down with a fever and loss of appetite. He had a hard time breathing, caused by tonsillitis. If not treated, this will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Biruk, which is scheduled to take place on November 27th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, which should relieve Biruk of his symptoms and help him live more comfortably. Biruk's mother said, "Life itself is draining—even before the burden of medications and surgery. After two years of sleepless nights, all I want is his health and freedom."