Cloryn is a 43-year-old woman from the Philippines. She is a hardworking wife who contributes to her family's needs by working at a small shake store, while her husband works as a fisherman. She stays active through her work and household responsibilities, and enjoys watching videos on her cellphone during her free time. About three months ago, Cloryn began to experience troubling symptoms, including a lump on the base of her throat. She was diagnosed with a multinodular colloid goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. She was advised that surgery would be needed, but financial limitations made it difficult for her to continue with the recommended follow-up care. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Cloryn receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on October 17th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Cloryn's procedure and care. Cloryn says, "I am very grateful to the donor program which has been a great help to us. Thank you very much to WSFP and Our Lady of Peace Hospital."

Joel is a young student from Bolivia. He lives with his grandfather, who works in construction. Joel's mom works in Brazil in order to earn some money to send to the family. This year, Joel's grandfather noticed Joel looked very tired when walking, and his lips turned purple. Joel was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This involves a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Joel does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On September 2nd, Joel will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Joel'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. Joel's grandfather says, "Joel likes to go to school and have friends. I pray his surgery goes well so he can be healthy and return home."

Beatris is a 14-year-old student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who works in construction, and her six siblings. Her favorite subject at school is PE and her favorite sport is volleyball. Beatris's parents noticed she was not gaining weight properly and frequently had nosebleeds, and took her to the local doctor which eventually led to her heart condition being diagnosed. She has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On September 9th, Beatris will undergo cardiac 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 in Beatris's heart so that blood will no longer leak through it.. Beatris'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. Beatris's mother says: "We are waiting patiently for my daughter's surgery, we came from far and we are hopeful."