Joel is a young student from Bolivia. He lives with his grandfather, who works in construction. Joel's mom works in Brazil in order to earn some money to send to the family. This year, Joel's grandfather noticed Joel looked very tired when walking, and his lips turned purple. Joel was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This involves a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Joel does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On September 2nd, Joel 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 normally. Joel'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. Joel's grandfather says, "Joel likes to go to school and have friends. I pray his surgery goes well so he can be healthy and return home."

Rebira is a 14-year-old student who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and three siblings. His father works as a guard, and his mother stays home to care for the children. Before his recent health challenges, he enjoyed playing football with his friends. About two years ago, Rebira injured his left leg while playing football. Because his family could not afford medical care, the injury went untreated. Unfortunately, the leg did not heal properly, and Rebira continues to suffer from intermittent swelling, severe pain, and difficulty walking. The pain has become so debilitating that he struggles to make the walk to school. His parents fear that, if left untreated, he may be forced to abandon his education, trapping him in a cycle of poverty. Recently, Rebira and his family attended our medical partner’s care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Following an investigation, doctors determined that he needs a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. Without treatment, Rebira may suffer from recurrent infections, which can result in life-threatening complications. On August 24th, Rebira will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Rebira's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. Rebira's parents shared, "We hope that our son will be able to easily walk to school and return to playing football with his friends again."

Han is a 74-year-old man from Cambodia. He lives with his elderly wife and their three children. His eldest child climbs sugar palm trees to collect palm fruit and water; his second child works as a photographer; and his youngest child repairs motors. In his free time, he enjoys listening to monks pray on the radio. On October 19, 2026, Han fractured his right thigh bone near the knee after jumping off a boat. He initially received treatment, where his leg was placed in a cast, but it did not provide adequate support for the fracture. The fracture causes pain in his right thigh, especially when he moves his leg. He has difficulty walking and moving around comfortably. Because of the injury, he currently depends on his family for support with daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 2nd, Han will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the broken bone using a blade plate and help it heal in the correct position. It is expected to reduce his pain over time and improve his ability to move his leg and walk again. Han can contribute $37.50, but needs help raising $563 more to help fund his treatment and care. Han's son said, “My father has been in pain since the accident, and I hope the surgery will help his leg heal properly so he can walk again. I want to see him recover, move around without difficulty, and return to his normal life.”