Franklin is a 13-year-old student from Haiti. He lives in a rural agricultural area with his parents, who are both farmers, and six older siblings. He enjoys going to school and playing soccer. Franklin has a heart condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves in his heart was severely damaged by an infection he suffered earlier in childhood, and now cannot adequately pump blood through his body. Franklin will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 23rd, he will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair his damaged valve; if they are unable to do so, they will remove it instead and implant an artificial replacement. While another charity, Mitral Foundation, is funding Franklin's surgery, his family will also need help with the costs associated with his surgical preparations. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It will also support securing travel documents for the family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Franklin's family overseas. Franklin's mother shared, "We are so thankful to everyone who is making this surgery possible for our son!"

Novence is a 16-year-old girl from Kabale District, Uganda. She lives with her parents, who are small-scale farmers, and her five younger siblings, who attend primary school. Novence enjoys studying and has a vision and mission of becoming a nurse. About a year ago, Novence developed swelling around her umbilical region. Her parents took her to a health center, but the health center was unable to provide a diagnosis. At first, the swelling was small and painless, and Novence and her family continued to monitor the situation. But over time, the pain increased to the point where Novence could no longer help her parents in the fields. So far, she has been determined to continue her studies, but the condition is becoming more and more painful. Novence's family has also become increasingly worried, as they have never seen anyone with this condition. Recently, a friend of Novence's mother told her about our partner's medical care center, Rushoroza Hospital. The family travelled to the hospital, where Novence finally received a diagnosis of an umbilical hernia. Without surgery, she will continue to suffer, and the condition could get worse. Fortunately, on February 10th, Novence will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $170 to fund her surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently, and to attend school without pain. Novence's mother shares, "Truly, if it were not for my friend, then no one would have shown me the way to Rushoroza Hospital. I pray that we may have a chance to be helped, and I believe that my daughter will undergo a successful surgery."

Neang is an 83-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. She is a widow as her husband died 5 years ago due to kidney failure. She has two sons and five grandchildren. She lives alone near her oldest son, who is a farmer. Neang likes to go to the pagoda and join the ceremony. About two years ago, Neang developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Neang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 11th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure and care. Neang said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better, so I can easily recognize my relatives and go out."