Meet Pai Lin, a 14-year-old girl in the sixth grade. She is the youngest child in her family. Pai Lin was a child when she developed an ear infection in both of her ears, causing both eardrums to rupture. She experiences ear discharge, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. This makes it difficult for Pai Lin to hear and study. Pai Lin recently sought treatment from doctors at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On January 7, surgeons at CSC successfully performed a [myringoplasty](https://watsi.org/profile/ee0c1c0ba559-pai-lin) on her right ear to repair the perforated ear drum. Surgeons will now perform another myringoplasty on Pai Lin's left ear. CSC is asking for $423 to cover the costs of Pai Lin's surgery. After this surgery, Pai Lin's hearing is expected to improve.

Manuela is a 16-year-old girl. She is in the tenth grade and would like to be a doctor or a scientist when she grows up. Manuela lives in the Dominican Republic with her mother, father, and three younger brothers. Manuela has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. This means a hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through the holes without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak. Although Manuela is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. She will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center. First, Manuela will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 15. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Manuela also covers the cost of medications and social support for her and her family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Manuela's surgical care. Manuela says, "I am excited to have surgery so I can stop worrying about my heart problem from now on."

Carlos is a one-month-old baby boy from Guatemala. His lives with his parents and eight older siblings. His father works as a day laborer, and his mother is a homemaker. Carlos is experiencing lactational failure. He does not receive proper nutrients due to his mother's inability to produce sufficient breast milk. To stabilize his condition, Carlos was given a preliminary supply of formula, but his parents cannot afford to buy a continuous supply. On February 16, Carlos will begin treatment at our medical partner's care center, Clinic Miller. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is asking for $1,107 to cover the cost of Carlos's nutritional supplements. Funds will also go toward a nutrition education program for his mother. "I want to thank you for the help Carlos will receive," says Carlos's mother. "God bless you for what you do."

Reaksmey is a 17-year-old security guard. He has three brothers and a sister. In his free time, Reaksmey likes to play football, chat with friends, and hang out. When he was ten years old, Reaksmey developed an ear infection in his right ear that perforated his eardrum, or tympanic membrane. He sought treatment at a hospital, but his symptoms did not improve. Reaksmey experiences ear discharge, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear). On February 15, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a myringoplasty surgery on his right ear to fix the perforated eardrum, stopping the discharge and pain he experiences. Over time, Reaksmey's hearing can improve. CSC is requesting $423 to fund the cost of surgery and hospital stay.

Gustavo is an active 17-month-old toddler from Guatemala. He loves playing with his toy cars and older sister. He can be rather serious around strangers, but is always smiling with people he knows. Gustavo was recently diagnosed with malnutrition, a condition that occurs from consuming too little protein, calories, and nutrients. In the short term, malnutrition means Gustavo has little energy to grow, and that his immune system is weak, leaving him vulnerable to diseases that could further compromise his growth. If left untreated, he may also face the long-term consequences of malnutrition, such as increased risk of chronic illness and a lowered IQ. Concerned for his well-being, his mother took Gustavo to our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, for treatment. Beginning June 12, Gustavo will receive micronutrients and food supplementation, as well as regular growth monitoring. Community health workers will also teach his mother how to create a nutrient rich diet using limited resources. The $492 requested will cover all expenses of his continued treatment, allowing him to gain weight, strengthen his immune system, and catch up with other children his age. "I am very grateful for the help my son is going to receive," says Gustavo's mother.

Diogenes is an 11-year-old seventh grade student from Elias Pina, a town on the border between Haiti and western Dominican Republic. He lives with his mother, grandmother, and two younger sisters. Diogenes enjoys playing soccer. Diogenes was born with a cardiac condition called partial atrioventricular canal defect, in which a hole exists between the four chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him sickly and weak. On February 7, Diogenes will begin receiving treatment at our medical partner's care center, Hospital Pediatrico Robert Reid Cabral. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is asking for $1,500 to fund a full cardiac assessment, which includes physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital for Diogenes. The funding also covers the cost of medications and social support for Diogenes and his family. Diogenes's surgical care is being subsidized by Gift of Life International for $7,000. "I am excited for my surgery so that I can play soccer with my friends without getting tired!" says Diogenes.

Meet Dany, a 72-year-old man from Cambodia. “Dany is married with three sons, two daughters, and ten grandchildren. He enjoys visiting the pagoda and listening to monks pray," shares our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Two years ago, Dany developed mature cataracts in each eye. A cataract occurs when a thin, cloudy layer forms over the eye’s lens. "This causes him blurred vision, discharge, tearing, and fear of bright lights. It is hard for him to see clearly, do work, or go anywhere outside," CSC explains. After learning about CSC, Dany and his sister traveled three hours to visit their clinic. They learned that a simple surgical procedure may restore Dany's sight. With $292, Dany will undergo cataract surgery, during which his old lenses will be removed and replaced with sheer artificial implants, allowing him to see again immediately after his operation.

Juana is a one-year-old who's been diagnosed with malnutrition. Her family has been unable to seek medical help on her behalf because of their limited resources. Juana is continuing to lose weight and will miss pivotal developmental stages if her condition is left untreated. For $525, Juana and her family will receive intensive home health assistance and nutrition coaching to help them to manage the resources they have. In addition she will receive nutrient supplementation for several months in order to move toward a healthy developmental trajectory.

Jeyson is a one-year-old from Guatemala currently suffering from malnutrition. As a result, he faces chronic intestinal infections and delayed physical growth. Due to limited resources, Jeyson's family has been unable to address the condition. They would like to consult with doctors regarding medication and other treatment strategies. Without these consultations, Jeyson's condition will worsen and he will face irreversible developmental consequences. For $525, Jeyson's family will be able to meet with doctors to address his malnutrition. As a result, Jeyson's growth will improve and he will healthily progress through his developmental milestones.