Vannareach is a five-year-old kindergarten student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his three-year-old little sister in Kampong Chhnang. Both of his parents serve in the military and are often stationed at the border, so the children stay with their elderly grandmother while their parents are away. He enjoys studying math and playing with toys along with his younger sister. For the past two years, Vannareach has been experiencing difficulty breathing and swallowing. He also snores at night and experiences recurrent throat infections about twice a month. His frequent throat infections and enlarged tonsils affect his sleep, breathing, swallowing, and overall comfort. Getting sick so often can also interfere with his ability to attend school and enjoy his usual activities. Vannareach was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Vannareach, which is scheduled to take place on August 14th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Vannareach of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Vannareach's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my son breathe and swallow more comfortably, sleep better at night, and reduce his frequent throat infections. I want him to feel healthier and return to school and his normal activities without getting sick so often.”

Kataleya is a sweet 13-year-old girl from Bolivia. Kataleya lives in the northern part of the country with her mother, who is a homemaker; her dad, who works in agriculture; and her younger sister. Kataleya was taken to the doctor with complaints of headaches, and it was during this visit that doctors heard a murmur and discovered her heart problem. Kataleya has a cardiac condition called an atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. On May 20th, Kataleya will undergo heart surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Kataleya's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Kataleya's mother shared, "I'm grateful that my daughter is receiving her surgery. They told me the heart murmur was going to close with time, but recently we found out it didn't. I pray she will have a good surgery, and she can feel much better so she can exercise as she wishes."

Crispin is a 65-year-old father of three from the Philippines. He lives with his wife and daughter. He has two other children who already have their own families. Crispin is currently unemployed and depends on his daughter’s modest income, which only covers their daily needs. He explained that he could only undergo surgery if financial assistance were provided. Despite these challenges, Crispin takes care of himself by avoiding heavy lifting and eating healthier foods. Five months ago, Crispin was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has been causing him pain and difficulty in moving around. Crispin needs to undergo surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 15th, Crispin will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Crispin's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will ease his suffering, and lift the financial burden on his family, giving them a chance to move forward with dignity and hope. Crispin says, "I am deeply grateful to the Almighty and the Foundation for this surgery, which saves me from falling into debt and gives me hope that more people like me will continue to receive help."