Kerson is a preschooler from Haiti. He lives with his father, who is a construction worker, and his mother, who is a waitress. He enjoys making art with crayons and singing. Kerson has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Kerson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On July 2nd, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart so blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is funding his surgery; however, Kerson'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 Kerson's family overseas. Kerson's mother shared, "Our family will be so happy and relieved once we know our son is safe!"

Samuel is a 68-year-old father of five from Uganda. He and his wife earn a living through small-scale farming, growing bananas and beans to support their family. However, the farming activities generate only a limited income, which is barely enough to meet his family's basic needs. For about a year now, Samuel has had a hydrocele. He presented at Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital experiencing swelling and pain, which has been causing him much discomfort. Surgery was recommended, but he is unable to afford the treatment cost, which has placed him in a difficult situation, as he is worried about providing for his family. Fortunately, on October 29th, Samuel is scheduled to undergo repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund Samuel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Samuel says, “I am grateful to the medical team at Ibanda Hospital for the care they have given me. However, I cannot afford the cost of my recommended surgery, and I humbly appeal to the donor program for financial assistance. Following recovery, I will continue farming and work hard to improve my family’s standard of living.”

Ly Horng is a seven-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives with her mother, who works at a glove factory, and her older brother, who is in Grade 11. She is in Grade 2 and enjoys reading and writing in Khmer. In her free time, she likes playing hide-and-seek with her friends. Her favorite foods are caramelized pork and grilled fish. Ly Horng was born with a small cyst behind her left ear, which has gradually increased in size as she has grown older. Over the years, the lump has become more noticeable and is now painful to the touch. Doctors have identified it as an epidermoid cyst. Although it has been present since birth, the growing lump has started to cause her discomfort, especially when she touches the area during daily activities or while playing with her friends. On November 3rd, Ly Horng will undergo surgery to remove the mass. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), needs help to raise $344 to fund this procedure. Ly Horng's mother said, “I hope the surgery will remove the lump behind my daughter’s ear and stop it from hurting when touched. I want her to feel comfortable, enjoy playing with her friends, and grow up happily without worrying about it.”