Vania is a hardworking 14-year-old student from Haiti. She lives in an urban area of the island nation's capital, Port-au-Prince, with her parents and three younger brothers. She enjoys studying, especially science and literature. Unfortunately, Vania has not been able to attend school for two years because of her heart condition. She suffered from rheumatic fever early in her childhood. The illness damaged one of the four valves in her heart, leaving her with a condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Her heart cannot pump blood adequately through her body, which leaves her weak and short of breath. The good news is that surgery can help. Vania will fly to the Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On May 16th, surgeons will remove her damaged valve and implant an artificial valve in its place. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is contributing $17,000 to pay for the procedure. But Vania's family also needs help to fund other medical and travel costs, which is where our Watsi donors come in. They are raising $1,500 to cover lab work and medicine for Vania, along with checkup and followup appointments. It also will help pay for her to get a passport and support social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Vania and her family overseas. Vania says, "I am looking forward to this surgery so that I can feel more normal and go back to school."

Khloem is a 74-year-old retired rice farmer. He and his wife have two sons, two daughters, and many grandchildren. All his children are rice farmers on their family land. Khloem and his wife no longer farm, and they are supported by their children. At home, he likes to listen to the news and monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Khloem developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Khloem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On March 10th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Khloem shared, "I hope after surgery I can see more clearly again. I look forward to going outside and visiting my local pagoda."

Ratha is a 41-year-old taxi driver. His wife is a Khmer noodle seller, and they have three school-age children. When Ratha isn't working or spending time with his family, he likes to play volleyball and listen to the news on the radio. Four years ago, Ratha developed a non-cancerous growth called a pterygium in his left eye. The growths occur when the eye is exposed to excessive sun damage and cells grow abnormally over the pupil. The condition caused irritation and burning in Ratha's eye. It also made it difficult for him to see things clearly, recognize faces, work, and go anywhere outside. When Ratha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Ratha needs surgery to remove the abnormal growth on his eye and add a graft to keep the condition from coming back. The total cost of his procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 22nd. Ratha says, "I hope after surgery my eye irritation stops and I feel comfortable. I want to drive my car with confidence and safety."