Ricarson is a 45-year-old man from Haiti. He lives by himself in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; he has seven siblings. He works primarily as an electrician, but also as a freelance journalist. Ricarson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly as a result of an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Ricarson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 12th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to the cost of the surgery. But Ricarson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover laboratory tests, medications, 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 Ricarson's family overseas. Richardson says, "I am looking forward to having the strength and energy I need to live my life, and would like to say thank you to everyone!"

Ay Rin is eight years old and a third-grader from Cambodia. She lives in Kampot Province with her parents and her older brother, who is in Grade 7. Her father works as a construction worker, and her mother is a rice farmer. She enjoys playing with her friends in the village, her favorite subject is mathematics, and she dreams of becoming a doctor one day. For the past four months, Ay Rin has been experiencing frequent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, loud snoring, and pauses in breathing while sleeping. Her frequent throat infections and breathing difficulties make it hard for her to eat, sleep, and concentrate at school. The repeated illness also causes her to miss classes and prevents her from fully enjoying time with her friends. Ay Rin was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her 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 Ay Rin, which is scheduled to take place on August 4th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Ay Rin of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Ay Rin's grandmother said, “I hope this surgery will stop her frequent throat infections so she can breathe, sleep, and eat comfortably again. I want her to return to school healthy and enjoy being a child without getting sick so often.”

Mann Ya is a 14-year-old girl who lives with her parents and siblings in Battambang Province in Cambodia. Her father works as an army officer at the Thai border, while her mother manages the household. Mann Ya is the youngest of three children, and is currently in Grade 8. In February this year, Mann Ya was involved in a motorcycle traffic accident that caused fractures on her left leg. She underwent initial surgical treatment in Battambang Province, which included internal fixation of the left femur, and external fixation of the left tibia. Despite this treatment, she developed a persistent infected wound on her affected leg, which has failed to heal properly, and which remains open. This condition has significantly affected Mann Ya's daily life. She has difficulty walking, and has been unable to attend school regularly, which has disrupted her education and normal childhood activities. Mann Ya was later referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for further management. She is now scheduled to undergo free flap surgery on June 17th at Kien Khlang National Rehabilitation Centre, to close the open wound, and to improve soft tissue coverage. The procedure will also help control infection, protect underlying structures, reduce complications, and promote optimal healing and functional recovery of the left leg. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is seeking $859 to fund Mann Ya's procedure, which should enable her to return to the life that she knew, prior to the accident. Mann Ya's mother said: “As a mother, I worry every day when I see my daughter struggling to walk and unable to attend school like other children. I hope this treatment will finally help her heal, so she can return to her studies, regain her independence, and look forward to a brighter future.”