Ivan is a two-year-old boy from Haiti, living with his parents and four siblings in an urban neighborhood. Ivan likes listening to music and watching the older kids play soccer. Ivan has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several concerns in the heart, including a hole between the two lower chambers and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These conditions prevent blood from passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving Ivan weak and short of breath. Ivan will need to fly to the Dominican Republic for treatment. On April 17th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons at Hospital CEDIMAT will patch the hole in his heart and remove the blockage from his valve, allowing blood to flow normally. Another organization is contributing money to pay for the surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is seeking your help to fund the $1,500 needed to cover the costs of Ivan's pre and post-operative care and the travel expenses and documents for Ivan's family and the social workers who will join the family during the trip. Ivan's mother said: "Our family is praying that our son will grow and become a strong and healthy child after surgery!"

Sokneang lives with her husband and her two children. Her husband is a construction worker, and her son and daughter both attend local schools. She works in the home, cleaning, and cooking, and in her free time she enjoys watching Khmer dramas. Since 2019, Sokneang has had discharge from a small hole in front of her ear, called a pre-auricular sinus. These are common congenital abnormalities adjacent to the external ear. However, this condition makes her prone to chronic ear infections. Germs can enter the ear canal and cause an infection, resulting in swelling, soreness, and redness. For the past three months, Sokneang has had ear pain and discharge on both sides. Medications from the local pharmacy haven't helped. Frequent infections prevent her from being able to care for her family. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Sokneang and her family need $297 to cover the cost of the surgery, which will take place on February 20th. This will cover surgery, medications, and post-operative care. Sokneang says, "I hope that my ear will stop discharge, and I will not have any infections."

Beatrice is a friendly, outspoken, and determined woman from Uganda. She separated from her husband fifteen years ago, leaving her to care for their two sons and one daughter. Her elder son is a teacher, her daughter is a nurse operating a small medicine shop, and her younger son is in school and just finished senior year six. Growing up, Beatrice wished to become a teacher, but she had to leave school early. Despite this setback, Beatrice has worked hard to provide an education for her children from the modest income she makes from running a small retail shop. She also engages in farming to supplement her income. Over six years ago, Beatrice began to experience troubling symptoms, including an anterior neck swelling. She reports feeling that her neck veins are always paralyzed, experiencing pain when swallowing, having shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing when sleeping. As her symptoms became too severe to manage, she sought help at our medical partner’s care center. The doctors had her undergo a thyroid test and diagnosed her condition as a giant goiter. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Beatrice needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Beatrice receive treatment. On April 9th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which the surgeon will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Beatrice said, “I am hopeful for a successful surgery, and I will continue with my business in good health after I have recovered.”