Valentino is a preschooler from Bolivia who lives with his mother and four older brothers. He loves to watch cartoons and enjoys his mother's s cooking. However, it is difficult for him to gain weight. Valentino 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. On April 16th, he 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 his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 for this procedure. Valentino's mother says, "Our family will be so much happier and less stressed once we know that our son is normal and healthy."

Sok Len and his family come from Prey Veng province. His father manufactures water barrels and his mother is a homemaker. Sok Len has one 6-year-old older brother in grade one. At home, he likes to help his mother with the groceries and play with toy cars. His favorite meal is his mother's soup. Sok Len was born with macrodactyly of the left great and second toes on his left foot. Macrodactyly is a condition where toes or fingers are abnormally large due to the overgrowth of bone and soft tissue. His parents are worried that as he grows, he may have difficulty walking, wearing shoes, and being teased by other kids when he starts school. Because his family could not afford private care, a clinic referred them to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, for diagnosis and treatment. Doctors at CSC have determined that two of his toes need to be amputated to avoid further disfigurement. Surgery has been scheduled for January 29th. Now, his parents need assistance with the cost of the $479 which will support the cost of surgery, medications, hospitalization, and physical therapy post-operatively. His mother said: "I hope his toe does not keep growing, and he will be able to keep up with other children when he starts school."

Telake is an adorable 4-year-old girl who loves to play with her friends. She loves to color, write, and play with her baby sister. Telake's mother stays at home while her father is a tuk-tuk driver. A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled mother vehicle used as a taxi. At times when he doesn’t get a job, he does casual labor work. Telake's mother noticed swelling on the left side of her child’s stomach. Doctors at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), diagnosed her with inguinal hernia, a birth condition where there is a weakness in the abdominal wall. In infants and children, inguinal hernias are operated on to prevent other complications. Symptoms may include pain, a burning sensation, swelling, and discomfort. Fortunately, on March 19th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, BKMCM. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $487 to fund Telake's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Her mom said, “I hope she will heal after the surgery. My daughter wants to buy me a house when she grows up. I wish she grows up independent and educated."