Thiago is a five-year-old boy from Colombia. He lives in Yarumal, Antioquia, with his family. He is intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where he interacts with his classmates with enthusiasm and warmth. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming a great doctor to help those in need. Since birth, Thiago has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents Thiago from carrying out daily activities such as playing, jumping, and enjoying his childhood. It can, in many cases, lead to tenderness in the area and an increased risk of complications if left untreated. Fortunately, on July 28th, Thiago will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Thiago's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Thiago's mother said, "As Thiago’s mother, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity. The support you’re providing for my son’s surgery means so much more than just financial assistance; it gives us hope again and makes us feel that we’re not alone during this difficult time. We’ve been waiting a long time for this treatment, as we’re confident it will improve his quality of life, prevent complications, and allow him to go about his daily activities just like any other child his age."

Samuel is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Medellín with his family. He is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His infectious energy and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who meets him. He enjoys spending time with those around him, learning new things, and dreaming big. When Samuel grows up, he’d like to become a professional soccer player or an industrial engineer specializing in vehicles, reflecting his passion for both sports and innovation and technology. When he was two years old, Samuel developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Samuel's parents took him to hospital where doctors recommended hernia repair surgery to treat his condition and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 27th, Samuel will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Samuel's procedure, which, once completed, will allow him to live a healthier life. Samuel says, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My parents have been trying for a long time to get this surgery through our health insurance provider, but it hasn’t been possible. Thanks to you, today there is hope and an opportunity to improve my health and quality of life. We will never forget this generous gesture. Thank you for your big hearts, for sharing with those of us who need it most, and for giving us back our hope for a better tomorrow."

Valery is a 37-year-old father from Haiti. He lives with his partner and their three-year-old daughter in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Valery works as a documentation officer at the international airport. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his friends. Valery has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly due to an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Valery needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 5th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which doctors will remove Valery's damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing $12,000 to pay for surgery. Valery'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, medications, and check-up and follow-up appointments. This cost also covers securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner who will accompany Valery's family overseas. Valery said, "I am so grateful to receive this surgery so that I can focus on my future with my family."