Ricarson is a 45-year-old man from Haiti. He lives by himself in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; he has seven siblings. He works primarily as an electrician, but also as a freelance journalist. Ricarson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly as a result of an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Ricarson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 12th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to the cost of the surgery. But Ricarson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover laboratory tests, medications, 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 Ricarson's family overseas. Richardson says, "I am looking forward to having the strength and energy I need to live my life, and would like to say thank you to everyone!"

Surafel is a brave and energetic 11-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and spending time with his older brother. He enjoys learning English and dreams of becoming a pilot one day. His father works as a construction worker, while his mother is a homemaker. Despite the challenges they face, his parents do their best to provide a loving and supportive home for their children. Surafel was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition that affects a sensitive area in his body. If left untreated, Surafel has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Surafel was placed on the hospital’s waiting list for surgery. Later, the hospital liaison office contacted his mother and asked her to bring him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). For Surafel and his parents, this support has brought reassurance and renewed hope. His mother is grateful that her son has access to the care he needs and is encouraged by the kindness and support they have received throughout the process. Surafel will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 1st. Surafel and his family need your help in raising $1,073 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Surafel’s parents shared their heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Our greatest wish is to see our son healthy and doing well after the surgery. We are very grateful for the support and care he has received. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this treatment possible. May God bless you all for the kindness and support you have shown our family.”

Separa is a three-year-old girl from Ethiopia. She lives with her mother and her six-year-old brother. Her father left when she was one year old, and her mother has raised the two children alone ever since. Separa's health problems started when she was just six months old, when she began having trouble with her tonsils again and again. When she was one, she had surgery to help her. For about three months she was better, but then her symptoms came back, and this time they were worse. She snores loudly every night and breathes through her mouth, even during the day. At night, her breathing becomes blocked while she sleeps, and she suddenly wakes up gasping for air. Separa has enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Separa, which is scheduled to take place on October 10th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Separa of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Separa shared, "I just want my daughter to breathe and sleep well. She has suffered since she was a baby. I pray this surgery ends it."