Beatris is a 14-year-old student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who works in construction, and her six siblings. Her favorite subject at school is PE and her favorite sport is volleyball. Beatris's parents noticed she was not gaining weight properly and frequently had nosebleeds, and took her to the local doctor which eventually led to her heart condition being diagnosed. She has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On September 9th, Beatris will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in Beatris's heart so that blood will no longer leak through it.. Beatris'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. Beatris's mother says: "We are waiting patiently for my daughter's surgery, we came from far and we are hopeful."

Luciano is an eight-year-old student from Colombia. He is an outgoing, intelligent, and very affectionate boy who stands out for being extremely responsible and level-headed in everything he does. He has a unique spark that fills his entire family with pride and love, and in his heart he holds a big dream: to become a professional soccer player when he grows up. A year ago, Luciano was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. He needs surgery to correct it and prevent potential future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents one from carrying out daily activities. Fortunately, on September 18th, Luciano will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luciano's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Luciano's mother said, "I am writing this message with a heart full of gratitude. I want to sincerely thank you for your invaluable help and for making it possible for children like mine to have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. For us, as single mothers, not having the financial resources for these procedures is very difficult, and people with your generosity are a beacon of hope. May God reward you for your kindness!"

Neang is a 61-year-old loving grandmother from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. She is married with two daughters, five sons, and 20 grandchildren. She lives with her husband, a retired assistant of the commune, and they are supported financially by their children. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks praying on the radio. About one year ago, Neang developed a cataract in her left 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 worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Neang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 13th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Neang needs help to fund this $263 procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve so I can easily recognize my relatives, travel to distant places, and comfortably manage my housework."