Kesnel is a 14-year-old student from Haiti. He is the youngest in a family of six; his father works in construction, and his mother is a vendor. Before his health issues, Kesnel enjoyed playing soccer with friends and studying at school. Kesnel has been diagnosed with a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the valves in his heart does not open and close properly due to an infection he suffered earlier in childhood, and as a result, his heart cannot adequately circulate blood through his body. Kesnel needs to travel to the Dominican Republic for treatment. On March 23rd, Kesnel will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally; if they are unable to do so, they will instead remove it and implant an artificial replacement. While another organization, Mitral Foundation, is funding Kesnel's surgical procedure, his family will also need help to fund his pre-operative costs. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It will also support securing travel documents for the family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Kesnel's family overseas. Looking to the future, Kesnel says: "I am excited to have a healthy heart so I can go back to school and play soccer with my friends!"

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."

Dagem is a curious two-year-old boy from Ethiopia who loves to explore. He enjoys playing football and riding bicycles. He lives with his mother, who works as a daily laborer, selling vegetables and washing clothes for neighbors to support him. His brother lives with their grandparents. Dagem's mother first learned of his condition when Dagem was just four days old. He was born with hypospadias, a condition affecting the urinary tract that causes discomfort and dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and risk further complications as he grows. Fortunately, on April 23rd, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, will assist Dagem in undergoing corrective surgery. This procedure will cost $1,293, and Dagem needs your support to fund the surgery. Dagem’s mom said, “I’m so happy, and thank you so much for the support. I pray that my child will be healthy like other children.”