Valentina is a 3-year-old toddler who lives with her mother, father, and younger sister in a city in central Bolivia. Her father is a construction worker and her mother is a homemaker. Valentina is very outgoing and enjoys drawing and painting. When Valentina was younger, health workers came to her house for a vaccination campaign and noticed that she was very small for her age. They helped the family reach a pediatrician and then a cardiologist, who diagnosed her with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition in which a hole exists between two major blood vessels next to the heart. PDA can cause poor growth, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Valentina will be undergoing heart surgery on March 27th to treat her condition. During surgery, doctors will close the hole so that blood will no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is asking for $1,500 to fund this surgery. After surgery, Valentina is expected to grow stronger and healthier. Valentina's mother shares: "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping to fix our daughter's heart!"

Shantel, a friendly nine-year-old girl from Kenya, is the eldest of two siblings in her family. She is currently in primary school and enjoys playing with her friends and making new ones. According to her parents, Shantel adds vibrancy and liveliness to their household. Her father works as a casual laborer in construction sites, while her mother is a greengrocer in their neighborhood. About two weeks ago, while Shantel was walking along the road with her mother, sister, and her mother's friend and her daughter, a vehicle lost control and flipped over towards them, resulting in injuries to all of them. Shantel was hit on the left leg and sustained bruises on her thigh and an open fracture of the tibia (shinbone) as confirmed by an X-ray. She is currently in chronic pain, and is unable to walk. Doctors at our medical partner's care center have recommended a procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), but the family is unable to meet the cost of surgery. If left untreated, Shantel may develop serious complications and may never be able to use her leg again. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Shantel receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nazareth Hospital will perform an ORIF procedure to allow her to walk easily and alleviate her pain. Now, Shantel's family needs help to fund this $1,049 procedure. Shantel’s father says: "Please help my daughter. Since the accident involving my family, I have not slept but I thank God that they are all alive. I request for support so that my daughter's leg can be treated, and she can go back to school."

Savan is a 69-year-old retired rice farmer. He lives in Prey Veang near the border of Cambodia and Vietnam with his family. He and his wife have three sons, four daughters, and twelve grandchildren. His youngest daughter still lives at home and helps support the family by working at a local construction company. At home, Savan and his wife like taking walks, spending time with family, caring for his chickens, and watching the news. About three months ago, Savan developed a cataract in his right 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 been having difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about potential falls while walking, which has made him reluctant to venture out independently. When Savan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Savan needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Savan shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can easily go out in the village on my own and help take my grandkids to school."