Dieukenson is a toddler from Haiti. He lives with his parents and two older brothers in downtown Port-au-Prince; his parents are both market vendors. Dieukenson has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him sick and short of breath. On May 23, he will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner's care center. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $12,000 to pay for surgery. Dieukenson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications. His mother says, "Our family will be sure to pray for everyone who is helping our son!"

Gudise is a baby from Ethiopia. She loves to crawl and play with other babies. Gudise was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Gudise is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on June 11. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Gudise's procedure and care. After her recovery, Gudise will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future.