Samuel is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Medellín with his family. He is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His infectious energy and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who meets him. He enjoys spending time with those around him, learning new things, and dreaming big. When Samuel grows up, he’d like to become a professional soccer player or an industrial engineer specializing in vehicles, reflecting his passion for both sports and innovation and technology. When he was two years old, Samuel developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Samuel's parents took him to hospital where doctors recommended hernia repair surgery to treat his condition and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 27th, Samuel will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Samuel's procedure, which, once completed, will allow him to live a healthier life. Samuel says, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My parents have been trying for a long time to get this surgery through our health insurance provider, but it hasn’t been possible. Thanks to you, today there is hope and an opportunity to improve my health and quality of life. We will never forget this generous gesture. Thank you for your big hearts, for sharing with those of us who need it most, and for giving us back our hope for a better tomorrow."

Theary is a fifth-grade student from Cambodia. She enjoys learning to read and write Khmer, the official language of Cambodia, at school. Theary lives with her parents and two sisters. Her father works as a jeweler, and her mother is a meat vendor at a local market. At home, Theary loves to play with her siblings. Theary was born with hereditary multiple exostoses, a condition that causes multiple bony growths. Over the past year, the masses in her right forearm and near the back of her distal femur have gradually increased in size. In particular, the large mass near the back of her distal femur periodically compresses the sciatic nerve. As a result, Theary experiences intermittent discomfort and stiffness, which may affect her physical movement. Theary traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On October 15th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) will remove the mass. Now, Theary needs help to raise $344 to fund this procedure. Theary's father stated, “I have the same condition, so I understand how worrying these growing masses can be. I hope the surgery will help my daughter by removing the large mass and reducing the pressure on the nerve in her leg. I want her to recover well and move around more comfortably without these problems interfering with her daily life.”

Joel is a young student from Bolivia. He lives with his grandfather, who works in construction. Joel's mom works in Brazil in order to earn some money to send to the family. This year, Joel's grandfather noticed Joel looked very tired when walking, and his lips turned purple. Joel was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This involves 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, Joel does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On September 2nd, Joel 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. Joel'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. Joel's grandfather says, "Joel likes to go to school and have friends. I pray his surgery goes well so he can be healthy and return home."