Zoe is a seven-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and younger brother. Her mother supports the family as a vendor. Zoe is in the second grade and likes arts and crafts. Zoe was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart, causing blood to leak through the hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen. This leaves her weak and short of breath and puts her at risk of heart failure in the future. Zoe needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On June 24th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is paying for the surgery, but Zoe’s family also needs help with the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Zoe's family overseas. Zoe’s mother shares, “Our family is so happy that Zoe was finally chosen for surgery; we have been waiting since she was a very small child!”

Srey Nich is a six-year-old first-grader from Cambodia. Her father sells watermelons, while her mother takes care of the household and the child. During her free time, she enjoys playing hide and seek with her friends in the village and watching cartoons. She also likes studying mathematics at school. Srey Nich has a right foot equinus malformation, which affects her ability to walk and perform her daily tasks. She experiences discomfort when walking and has been teased by classmates, which also affects her emotional well-being and confidence. Srey Nich's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. On May 18th, Srey Nich will undergo surgery that will improve her strength and mobility. Now, she needs help to fund this $582 procedure. Srey Nich's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that my daughter will be able to walk without difficulty, and live happily without being teased by other children.”

Sabou is a 74-year-old retired fisherwoman from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is a widow with three sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. Her husband died 10 years ago, and Sabou now lives with her eldest daughter, who is a tailor. About one year ago, Sabou developed a cataract in her right 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 reluctant to go out on her own, due to her compromised vision. When Sabou learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours to seek treatment. On April 6th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Sabou should be able to see clearly again. Sabou and her family are able to contribute $50 towards the cost of her treatment, and need help raising $213 more to fund the procedure. She says: "I hope that I will be able to see better after surgery, so that I can go out on my own again."