Boika is a toddler from Haiti. He lives with his parents and four siblings in a small rural village where his parents are both farmers. Boika has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Boika also has Down syndrome. Boika will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On July 15, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which Surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is contributing funds to help pay for surgery, but Boika's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and transportation. These funds will covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment as well as the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Boika's family overseas. Boika's mom said, "I hope that after this surgery, my son will get the strength to start walking and playing on his own."

Mon is a 36-year-old single mother from Thailand. She lives with her son and her sister. In her free time, Mon enjoys watching Thai and Burmese television series, Thai movies, and the news. Mon was born with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosis (PDA). PDA is a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. When a baby is growing in the womb the opening is necessary to provide adequate blood and oxygen, but this typically closes after birth. When the opening remains open, it can weaken the heart and cause other complications. Mon currently experiences heart palpitations and exhaustion when climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects. She has difficulty breathing when startled and easily develops a fever, cough, and chest pain when wet from the rain. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a surgery that will close the patent ductus arteriosis. The treatment is scheduled to take place on August 14th and, once completed, will allow her to live more comfortably. Mon's sister said, “I am very happy that Watsi will help with her Mon’s treatment. Mon wants to find a job so that she can support her son, pay for his school fees, and support her family. She wants to help her whole family.”

Sary is a 57-year-old woman who lives with her husband and her 20-year-old son in Cambodia. Her husband works as a construction worker, while her son is currently studying in grade 12. In her free time, Sary enjoys making sweets for her husband and son. In late July this year, Sary unfortunately sustained a fall at home, which broke her right hip. She went to a local hospital for treatment but was unable to afford it, so she resorted to seeking care through Khmer traditional medicine in her village instead. Unfortunately, the hip fracture has not healed. She is unable to walk, and now relies on a wheelchair for getting around. Sary and her husband traveled for three hours to seek help from our medical partner, the Children’s Surgical Centre. On August 22nd, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a joint replacement surgery on her right hip. This procedure will help restore her mobility, and relieve pain. Sary is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and needs help raising $444 more to fund the procedure. Sary says, "I hope to have surgery soon so that I can return home and help take care of my family."