Lidianny is a two-year-old girl from the Dominican Republic. She was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. This means that a hole in her heart that normally closes shortly after birth remained open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her sick and weak. Nevertheless, this smiley young girl loves playing with her Barbie dolls. Although Lidianny 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, Lidianny will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 18. 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 Lidianny 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 Lidianny's surgical care. Her mother remains optimistic, saying, "We are very hopeful that this surgery will return our daughter to health so she can start preschool next year with the other children."

Esther is a ten-year-old girl from Kenya. She lives in a children's rescue center and attends fourth grade. She wants to be a judge when she grows up. In 2013, Esther was burned with water. She was admitted to the hospital for seven months. After this, she was sent to live at the children's rescue center. Esther has been diagnosed with burn contractures on her left hand. These injuries resulted from the scalding water. She has limited mobility and cannot stretch her fingers properly, which restricts her ability to play and help with chores. “I want to be well, study, and be a judge to defend children," Esther says. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,176 to fund Esther's contracture release operation. This will be added to the $103 that the children's rescue center has been able to raise for her treatment. She is scheduled to undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, on March 1. After surgery, she is expected to enjoy full functionality of her left hand.