Minh is a 57-year-old construction worker. He is married and has one daughter, two sons, and two grandchildren. Minh lives with his wife who is a pillow seller to help support their family. Minh likes to listen to the news on the radio and watch TV. Two years ago, Minh developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him itchiness and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Luckily, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help Minh by performing a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for May 3rd. Minh says, "I hope after surgery my eye feels comfortable so I can return to my work."

Nita is a clever four-year-old girl. She has one brother and one sister, and she is the youngest child in her family. Nita's father is a fisherman and her mother is a homemaker. Nita is not old enough to attend school, so stays home with her mom playing with toys, painting, and watching TV. Her favorite meal is fried rice and fresh milk. Three years ago, Nita was burned with boiling water on her right hand. Her mother took her to a clinic for care, but as she healed, she developed a contracture of the index, middle, and ring fingers. She had surgery to release the contracture three years ago, but she has now developed a web space contracture. This caused more scarring, causes pain when she tries to use her hand, and significantly restricts in her hand function. Doctors have recommend a surgery and a skin graft so that she can finally have fully use of her hand. On May 6th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to help her to use her fingers again. Now, Nita's family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Her mother shared, "I hope after surgery Nita can move her fingers and hold objects, and we all hope she can go to school next year."

Bb Lafleur is a newborn baby from Haiti. She has an older brother and two loving parents. Bb Lafleur has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Bb Lafleur has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, she will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of surgery for Bb Lafleur at Hospital Bernard Mevs that will treat her hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on April 7th. This critical treatment will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Bb Lafleur's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Bb Lafleur will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Her family hopes that this early treatment of their baby's hydrocephalus will allow her to grow up without any health problems and have a full life ahead.