Thiago is a three-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his parents, who both work in agriculture, and his two older siblings. Thiago's story of being diagnosed with a heart problem is unique. He accompanied his parents in a protest march against a law that threatened their community, walking for 28 days from the Bolivian Amazon to the city of La Paz. When they finally arrived, the high altitude of the city affected Thiago's breathing, causing the family to seek medical care. Doctors then discovered that Thiago has Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Thiago does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 26th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Thiago's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Thiago's father shares, "We are so happy that our son's surgery has been scheduled for this week, and we hope for the best."

Sok Chea is a 50-year-old construction worker from Prey Veng province. He is married and has two daughters and one son. His wife is also a construction worker, and his children are students. After a day of working, Sok Chea likes to tend to his vegetables around his house. About five months ago, Sok Chea developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Sok Chea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 9th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Sok Chea said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see well again. I can go back to work well, and I can support my children's studies."

Dave is 31 years old and a farmer from the Philippines. He is the sole caregiver for his father, who has hypertension and gout. He works as a farmer, raising chickens and planting root crops. He admits that his work does not earn much, and his limited income makes it hard for him and his father to meet their daily needs. At times, his siblings help by giving money to pay for electricity, water, and his father’s medicines. Dave first noticed swelling and pain when he was in high school. By the time he reached college, the pain was unbearable. It comes and goes, and each time it happens, he finds it difficult to walk and carry out his daily activities. Dave was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and needs surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, Dave will undergo hernia repair surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,121 to fund his procedure and care. Dave shared, "I have always worried that my hernia would get worse. With surgery, I hope I will no longer feel afraid every day. I want to work properly again and be free from the heavy feeling of constantly wondering when my hernia will act up."