Maria Fernanda is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. She is a sweet, kind-hearted girl full of dreams who enjoys spending time with others and leaves a special impression on everyone she meets. Her optimistic spirit and her ability to face challenges with courage are an inspiration to her family and to those who accompany her on her journey. Three years ago, Maria Fernanda was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild tenderness or discomfort around the navel, which becomes more noticeable when the child cries, coughs, or exerts himself. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. On October 20th, Maria Fernanda will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Maria Fernanda's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably. Maria Fernanda's mother said, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who are supporting her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally; that gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God abundantly bless your life and that of your family. Your support not only helps us meet a medical need but also restores our hope and peace of mind, knowing that María Fernanda will be able to receive the care she needs. We will always be grateful for this act of love and solidarity."

Lucy is 45 years old and a mother of two from Malawi. She sells second-hand clothes to support her husband, who is a mechanic. Eight months ago, Lucy started to experience heavy bleeding that was associated with weakness and dizziness. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Lucy's surgery. On July 1st, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Lucy will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Lucy shared, "I am very worried, as my condition makes me very weak day by day; your support will be very appreciated as it will save my life from danger."

Srey Nich is an 18-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives with her grandmother, a retired rice farmer, and her younger sister, who is in Grade 2. Her parents divorced five years ago, and her mother works as a factory worker to support the family. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music. She is currently studying in Grade 12 and hopes to continue her education. Srey Nich was born with distal arthrogryposis, a congenital condition that causes stiffness and deformities in the joints of her hands and feet. She previously underwent surgery on her left hand at our medical partner's care center, the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), to improve its function. Although the surgery helped, the remaining hardware now causes occasional pain and needs to be removed. On August 6th, Srey Nich will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help improve the stability and comfort as she uses her hand. It will allow her to use her hands more easily for studying and everyday activities. Her family can contribute $10, but needs help raising $368 more to fund her procedure and care. Srey Nich said, “I hope it will feel more comfortable after the hardware is removed so I can use my hand more easily for writing, studying, and all that I do everyday.”