Guerdina is a student from Haiti. She lives in a small village in the mountains of central Haiti with her parents and 4 siblings. She likes going to school and would like to become a teacher. Guerdina has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of her heart was severely damaged by a rheumatic fever she suffered in childhood, and can no longer adequately pump blood through her body. Guerdina will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 29, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair her valve; if they are unable to do so, they will implant an artificial replacement.. Another organization, The Mitral Foundation, is contributing $7500 to pay for surgery. Guerdina's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Guerdina's family overseas. "I am hopeful that after my surgery I will feel healthy and normal," said Guerdina.

Paulo is a market vendor from Tanzania. Paulo is a 32-year-old man who has a left mandible swell. The fourth born in his family makes a living from vending goods in their local market place. He was not able to further his studies beyond primary school due to financial constraints.  In 2014, Paulo noted swelling on his left mandible whereupon hospital review, he had a mandible mass diagnosis. His friends and relatives supported his surgery in 2016 and the swell receded. In 2018, he had a recurrence which was painful and caused his discomfort especially when eating. He was given pain medication at a hospital near his home. He heard of visiting doctors in ALMC and decided to seek treatment with us. He was reviewed and surgery was recommended. Paulo says that he is often mocked as "the guy with a swollen cheek" and he is never comfortable with that. If not treated, Paulo will continue having pain and discomfort when eating. Paulo is not able to pay for his treatment and appeals for help. Paulo traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 24th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Paulo needs help to raise $689 to fund this procedure. Paulo says, “I am being discriminated due to my condition, the visiting doctors have given me hope but am unable to get the treatment due to financial challenges. Please help support if it’s possible.”

Meach is a 72-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is from Kampong Cham province and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in his free time. One year ago, Meach developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her vision loss. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Meach learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 12, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $211 procedure. She says, "I hope that I am able to see more clearly and can return to the pagoda and join the ceremony."