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!"

Mahamadou is a four-year-old boy from Mali. For the past year, Mahamadou has been experiencing an inguino-scrotal hernia, a condition where abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and extends down into the scrotal sac. He also has a hydrocele. These conditions have been causing him swelling and much discomfort. Fortunately, on April 23rd, Mahamadou will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Muso, is requesting $611 to fund Mahamadou's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life. Mahamadou's parents shared, "We hope that this treatment will make the swelling and discomfort disappear."

Nahreen is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her parents and her younger brother in a loving household that carefully supports her development. Nahreen was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Her parents first noticed the exaggerated outward curvature of her legs soon after she began walking. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Without treatment, the condition could worsen as she grows, affecting her ability to walk, play, and attend school comfortably. Her parents look forward to seeing their daughter walk confidently, play with peers, and participate fully in childhood activities without limitation. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Nahreen. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Nahreen's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Nahreen's mother says, “Our wish is to see her walk freely and grow strong like other children.”