Ashley is a four-year-old preschooler from Haiti. She lives with her parents and one younger sister in an agricultural village in central Haiti. Her parents both work as farmers and raise animals. Ashley likes listening to music on the radio and singing in church. Ashley has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels next to her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ashley will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 13th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at Hospital CEDIMAT, during which doctors will use a device on the end of a catheter to plug the hole in her heart, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4,000 to pay for the surgery. Ashley'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, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Ashley's family overseas. Ashley's mother said: "We will be so happy when we can stop worrying so much about our daughter's health!"

Thida is a 63-year-old woman from Kampong Cham province. She previously worked as a rice farmer but is now retired. She currently lives with her niece, who works in a garment factory. Her favorite hobbies are visiting the pagoda and attending religious ceremonies. About six months ago, Thida developed a cataract in her right eye, causing itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Thida learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Thida needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Thida says, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so that I can easily recognize people, attend ceremonies, help my niece with household chores, take care of her children, and no longer worry about my eyesight."

Tibeyalirwa is a 62-year-old father of eight children from Uganda. He and his wife depend on farming for their livelihood, growing food mainly for home consumption and selling off any surplus to meet their basic needs. Ten years ago, Tibeyalirwa developed two swellings in his inguinal region. He sought treatment at a nearby medical center, and underwent surgery. However, two years ago, the swelling recurred on the left side, accompanied by significant pain. Tibeyalirwa has been diagnosed with 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. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, on March 10th, Tibeyalirwa has been scheduled for hernia repair surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Tibeyalirwa's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Tibeyalirwa says, "I hope to be relieved of the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer."