Kemert is a three-year-old girl who lives in Ethiopia with her parents and brother. Her father works as a teacher, and her mother is a homemaker. Shortly after Kemert was born, she began experiencing recurrent tonsillitis. During these episodes, her throat becomes swollen and painful, she develops a fever, and she struggles to breathe, eat, and sleep. These periods of illness are emotionally difficult for Kemert and her family, who say the hardest part is watching her fight to breathe. Although tonsillitis can sometimes resolve on its own, doctors are recommending surgery because Kemert’s condition is severe and keeps returning. Currently, Kemert is experiencing symptoms and has been for about three months. Without treatment, her symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kemert, which is scheduled to take place on May 10th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Kemert of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Kemert’s family hopes for a future where she can feel peaceful during the day and sleep quietly through the night. Instead of being easily annoyed, tired all the time, and feeling sick, they want her to feel healthy and rested.

Nay is just like any other active one-year-old with a loving family. Except Nay was born with a heart condition, patent ductus arteriosis (PDA), a persistent opening between two major blood vessels that should close right after birth. However, Nay's remains open, which can weaken his heart and cause other cardiological and respiratory complications. Nay is one of three children. Their father is a day laborer, and their mother is a homemaker. Their incomes are just enough for basic expenses and health care, but not enough to fund heart surgery. "We are worried when we know that Nay needs surgery because we could not afford for it," Nay's parents said. To fund his surgery on October 3rd, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500. After treatment, Nay will live more comfortably and avoid potential complications. For his parents and sisters, it also means one less worry.

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."