Mateo is a toddler from Bolivia. He is his parents' first child. He lives with his mom, who is a homemaker, and his dad, who works distributing soda. When he was born prematurely at 30 weeks, Mateo had to be in an incubator where doctors detected his heart condition. Mateo has a cardiac condition called tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), a combination of four heart conditions, including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Mateo does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 6th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow more normally. Mateo's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Mateo's mother shared, "I'm grateful my child is going to receive his surgery so he can grow and be a healthy boy."

Raffy is a father of four children—three sons and one infant daughter. The family resides in Parañaque City in the Philippines. Raffy works as a scrap collector and sells his finds at nearby shops. He earns enough to support his family's daily living expenses. However, Raffy admits that this income is just enough to cover their needs. His partner is a full-time housewife who remains at home to care for their children. He prefers that she not seek employment so she can focus on childcare and provide support during his current medical condition, further underscoring the family’s financial challenges and the significance of the assistance he needs. Three months ago, Raffy began to experience troubling symptoms, including constant pain in his stomach. He was diagnosed with a gallbladder disorder, known as cholecystitis, which causes discomfort due to inflammation. Raffy has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Raffy is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on January 30th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Raffy's surgery and care. Raffy shared, "Thank you so much to this foundation. If not for this program, I would not be able to get the operation I need. This is a big help to my family and me."

Dulce is a four-year-old girl from Colombia who has a beautiful smile. However, she has been experiencing pain caused by multiple cavities, which have greatly affected her oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. As a result, Dulce has been struggling with eating, experiencing discomfort, and facing a higher risk of infection. Given the extent of the dental lesions and her young age, it was determined that Dulce would need to undergo comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia. This procedure involves the removal of carious lesions, restoration, and comprehensive management of the affected teeth, ensuring safety, efficacy, and comfort for the patient. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. They have scheduled Dulce's procedure on February 23rd. Now, Dulce and her family need help raising $868 to fund her care. Dulce's mother shared, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your willingness and interest in helping us. As a mother, it has not been easy to see my daughter in need of a surgical procedure. Her condition directly affects her well-being, her nutrition, and her quality of life, and as a family we have done everything in our power to find a solution. This is a gesture that we will never forget and that will remain in our hearts forever."