Abel, who is 11 months old, lives with his parents in La Paz. He is his parents' first child. Abel was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. Because of this, a hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through Abel's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Abel's parents sought the help of our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, and now Abel is scheduled for surgery on January 16th, at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uria. During surgery, doctors will sew the hole shut, so that blood will no longer leak out. This procedure should enable Abel to grow into a healthy young boy. Abel's mother said: "Our family is praying that our son will be strong and healthy after this surgery!"

Ly Hor is a 13-year-old curious student. He comes from Tboung Khmum province in the central lowlands of the Mekong river. He has two sisters - his older sister is 19 and is a factory worker, and his younger sister is six and studies in grade one. His parents are farmers and grow rainy-day rice and vegetables. Ly Hor attends grade 7 in public school. His favorite subjects are math and physical education. In the future, he would like to be a doctor. At home, he enjoys playing football, reading books, doing homework with friends, and helping his family with the vegetable gardens. He loves it when his mom makes fried rice or fried noodles, which he enjoys eating with fresh milk. In October, Ly Hor injured his right elbow when playing football by stretching out his hand to break a fall. His mother took him to a Khmer traditional healer because she could not afford the care at a government hospital. He has chronic pain, and his elbow has become swollen and deformed. He is unable to use his hand due to swelling and pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On December 7th, Ly Hor will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will repair the fracture, and Ly Hor will be able to use his arm again. Ly Hor's mother said: "He is very sad now because he cannot do anything with his friends. I hope the doctors can fix his arm so he won't be in pain, and he can be active again with his friends in school."

Deus is a seven-year-old pupil from Uganda. He is the last born in a family of eleven children and is in primary school grade two. His father and mother are small-scale farmers producing beans and Irish potatoes mainly for home consumption. For one year, Deus has had a right hydrocele. His father reports that he developed a scrotal swelling on his right testis but thought his condition would normalize with time. In January 2023, Deus was brought to Rushoroza hospital and given medication that was not helpful because the swelling started disappearing and reappearing. He does not complain of pains but his father is very much disturbed by the on-and-off swelling which could turn problematic in the future if not treated on time. Fortunately, on March 7th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $170 to fund Deus's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Deus' father says, “My son looks undisturbed by his condition, but anything could happen in the future. He will comfortably return to school after surgery.”