Jana is a four-year-old young girl from El Bagre, Colombia. She is an active, cheerful preschooler who loves spending time with her family and enjoys music and dancing. Even at a young age, Jana shows a caring heart and dreams of becoming a doctor one day so she can help people, or animals, in need. Unfortunately, Jana has developed severe dental caries and infections. Because of her young age, she requires extensive dental treatment under general anesthesia to safely address the problem. At times, Jana feels sad because other children tease her about her teeth, and she hopes her teeth can be fixed. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $868 to fund treatment for her infection and severe tooth decay under general anesthesia on March 20th. Doctors hope this care will allow Jana to grow up healthy, free from pain, and able to smile with confidence. Jana's mother shares, "To anyone who wants to do their bit to help my daughter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are a low-income family; I am a single mother, I do odd jobs, and unfortunately, I do not have the financial means to cover the treatment she needs, as it is very expensive. God bless every person who can help make this surgery possible. My daughter dreams of the day when she can smile without fear or pain. She always tells me, 'Mom, when I have my pretty teeth, I'm going to laugh all the time, and they won't hurt anymore.' That is her greatest wish, and hopefully we will see it come true very soon. May God reward you for your support, solidarity, and prayers."

Mab is a 28-year-old car repairman from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who sells fruit at a local market. They do not yet have children and are currently supporting their elderly parents. In his free time, he enjoys chatting with friends in the village. In 2015, Mab was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his left femur. He was treated at a government hospital, where the fracture was managed surgically with intramedullary nailing. During the procedure, metal hardware was inserted to stabilize the bone and promote healing. Although the fracture has healed, he continues to experience intermittent pain, stiffness, and discomfort around the implant site. This affects his mobility, comfort, and ability to perform daily work activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 10th, Mab will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help relieve pain and stiffness, improve comfort, and restore better mobility, allowing him to return more comfortably to his normal daily and working life. Mab can contribute $50, but needs help raising $328 to fund his procedure and care. Mab said, “I hope the surgery to remove the IM nail will relieve my discomfort and allow me to move more freely without pain or stiffness.”

Christie is a four-year-old girl from Haiti, who lives with her parents and two older siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She is in preschool, and is learning to read. She loves dressing up and playing with her friends. Christie has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels next to her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Christie will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 13th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a device on the end of a catheter to plug the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4,000 to pay for surgery. Christie's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Christie's family overseas. Christie's mother says: "Our family is so thankful that our daughter has this chance to travel and to get her heart healed!"