Christopher, who is 12 years old, lives with his parents and three siblings in a small fishing village in southwest Haiti. As a young child, Christopher suffered from a bout of rheumatic fever, which severely damaged one of his heart valves. As a result, it is difficult for his heart to efficiently pump blood through his body. The Gift of Life International will be subsidizing Christopher's heart surgery, which is scheduled to take place on February 5th, at Welcare Hospital. During this procedure, surgeons will remove the damaged valve, and implant an artificial replacement. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund the preoperative testing that Christopher will need, his post-operative care, and the travel expenses for Christopher and his family. Christopher shared: "I am very excited to have a healthy heart after waiting for so long!"

Visal is a five-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, older sister, and grandmother. Visal's father is a construction worker, while his mother is a garment factory worker. His grandmother stays at home to care for him while his parents work. Visal's parents hope that he can go to school soon. His favorite meal is fried chicken and vegetables. At home, Visal enjoys spending his free time playing soccer with his friends in the village. Since birth, Visal has been unable to fully extend his fingers as they are fixed in a bent position. This condition is making it difficult for him to grasp objects or use his hand comfortably. His parents are worried he will have difficulty when he starts school. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. Visal is scheduled for contracture release surgery on April 22nd. Visal's family is able to contribute $100 but still needs $387 to fund this procedure. Visal's mother said, “I hope Visal can use his hand before he starts school."

Rayan is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the first child of his parents, and he is an active and interactive child who loves playing with other children. His father takes on casual jobs to earn a living, while his mother is a homemaker. Rayan was born with a congenital condition affecting his left hand, in which two fingers are joined together, causing concern for his parents regarding its impact on his future. Fortunately, Rayan's mother learned about our medical partner's care center Kafika House from a previous patient and made the decision to take him there. At the center, Rayan was diagnosed with left-hand syndactyly, a condition that is corrected through surgical intervention. The plastic surgeons intend to carry out a release procedure to separate his left hand's third and fourth fingers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rayan receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 7th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to enhance the mobility of his fingers. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Rayan’s mother says: “I hope my son’s hand will be okay and that the condition will not affect his future.”