Santiago is a seven-year-old boy from Bolivia. Since Santiago's mother passed away when he was a year old, his adult sister has been taking care of him. Unfortunately, due to his heart condition, he developed a brain abscess that required three surgeries to treat and to make him medically stable for his heart surgery. Santiago is in good spirits and has been looking forward to this day so he can complete his surgeries. Santiago has a cardiac condition called total anomalous pulmonary vein return. The pulmonary veins are connected to an abnormal location in the heart, and as a result, oxygen-poor blood is circulated through the body rather than being sent to the lungs. On May 13th, Santiago will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will reattach the vessels to the heart at the normal location, so that blood can flow normally through the heart and body. Santiago'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. Santiago's sister says, "I am so grateful my little brother can have his surgery now. I pray and trust all will go well."

Ben is a 77-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. He has four sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren. Presently, he lives with his aging wife, and the couple gets support from their children. Ben likes to join ceremonies at the pagoda. About one year ago, Ben 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 is not able to go places on his own. When Ben learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Ben and his family are contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, and I won't have to worry when I wish to join the ceremonies at the pagoda."

Brighton is 20 years old and the fifth-born in a family of six children from Malawi. He lives with his parents, who run a small-scale potato-selling business. He works as a part-time cleaner and uses his income to fund his college education. Six months ago, Brighton noticed a swelling in a sensitive area of his body. The swelling often came and started to cause pain, discomfort, and nausea, affecting his ability to work and focus on school. He was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall, causing pain, especially during strenuous activities. He needs surgery to address his symptoms and prevent future health complications. Fortunately, on June 9th, Brighton will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Brighton's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Brighton shared, "Your support will enable me to continue doing my part-time job that supports my education; I look forward to making my parents happy after my education."