Sambath is a cheerful six-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his three siblings and parents, who earn income by collecting plastic bottles for recycling. Two years ago, Sambath had an ear infection that caused the ear drums in his right and left ears to perforate. As a result, Sambath experiences ear discharge, hearing loss, and a history of snoring at night which has been exacerbated by an inflammation of the nose. His communication with others has been hampered, and he no longer attends school. Sambath and his mother traveled to our medical partner's care center to seek help for his condition. On March 20th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure to repair the eardrums on both of his ears, at Kien Khlang National Rehabilitation Centre. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $914 to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for the procedure. Sambath's mother says, "After surgery, I hope that Sambath will be able to speak more clearly, and that his hearing will improve. I would like for him to do well in school, and feel hopeful about the future."

Cyrus is an energetic young boy from Kenya. He completed his national exam last month. Cyrus is the 2nd born of a family of five children. The 1st born is 17 years, while the last born is in grade 2. His mom is a single parent, who is currently unemployed and working small jobs that she can get to make ends meet. She has been taking care of the five children by herself with no consistent source of income. He lives in single rental room which they pay $15 per month. His mother was referred to our medical partner's BethanyKids Hospital by a local doctor in a nearby facility to correct the condition. They came to BethanyKids and the doctor examined him, he has recommended surgery. This surgery will enable him to live a normal life like other children urinating properly. Cyrus was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and infertility. Fortunately, Cyrus is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 4th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $847 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Cyrus's mother says, “This condition will affect his self-esteem. He already feels low and sad because of the condition.”

Keina is an adorable preschooler from Haiti. She lives with her mother and grandparents in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She's just started preschool and loves animals and the color pink. Keina has a life-threatening cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels near her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Keina will fly to United States to receive treatment because the care she needs is not available anywhere in Haiti. On February 8th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will plug the hole with a device attached to the end of a catheter. Another organization, Gift of Life New York, is contributing $4000 to support surgery costs. Keina's family needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep, travel, and post-operative care. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and follow-up appointments. It also supports the cost of passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Keina's family overseas. Keina's mother states, "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping to heal Keina's heart."