Kelly is a 22-year-old woman from Kenya. She is currently an intern pursuing her studies in media. Her mother is a tailor and her father sadly passed away in 2011. She is the youngest child in a family of three children. Since she was born, Kelly has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles at the belly button. She shared that the hernia has been gradually growing in size and she experiences recurring abdominal pain, especially when exercising. She requires surgery to treat her condition. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Kelly receive treatment. On January 6th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Now, she needs help raising $684 to fund her procedure and care. Kelly shared, “this swelling in the abdomen is causing me lots of discomfort.”

Marvens is a toddler who lives with his parents and his older sister. His parents are looking forward to starting him in preschool as soon as he recovers from his surgery. Marvens has a cardiac condition called partial anomalous pulmonary vein return (PAPVR). One of the major veins in Marvens' chest connects to his heart in a location that is not anatomically normal. As a result, blood cannot flow normally through his body, leaving him weak and short of breath. On March 1st, Marvens will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will detach the vein from his heart and reattach it at the anatomically correct position. Marvens' family needs help to fund the costs of surgery, and the prep and follow-up care required. Marvens family and our medical partner have been able to raise some of the support needed, but still are in need of $1,500 and have turned to the Watsi community for support. Marvens' mother says: "Our family is very happy to have this chance, and will be praying for everyone who is helping us!"

Antonela, who is just two months old, lives in La Paz, Bolivia, with her parents and two older siblings. Antonela's parents both work as market vendors. Antonela was born with two heart defects: a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart, and a leak between two of the major vessels next to her heart. Fortunately, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, can help Antonela access the care that she needs. As she is too small and fragile to repair both conditions at the same time, surgeons at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría will first close the leak next to her heart on April 5th, allowing her to become stronger and more stable. Approximately one month later, Antonela will undergo a second heart surgery to close the hole inside her heart. She and her family need your support to raise the $1,500 for this critical procedure. Antonela's mother said: "Our family is all praying that after this surgery our daughter will be healthier and will start growing and gaining weight."