Larah is a toddler from Haiti. She lives with her parents and older sister in a small village in the mountains of central Haiti. She likes dressing up and going to church. Larah has two cardiac conditions called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart, and a second hole exists between two major blood vessels near her heart. Blood leaks through these holes, leaving her weak and short of breath. Larah will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On February 29th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the larger hole, and tie shut the smaller hole, so that blood can no longer leak through them. Another organization, HeartGift Foundation, is contributing $15,000 to pay for surgery, but Larah's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery preparation. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and preop and postop appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the help of social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Larah's family overseas. Larah's mother said: "Our family thinks it is a miracle that our daughter has this chance to travel for her surgery!"

Moriya is a 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia. She lives in Prey Veng province with her parents, grandmother, and 8-year-old brother. Both her mom and dad work in nearby clothing factories. Moriya's grandmother helps look after the children while her parents are at work. At home, Moriya likes running around the village with other kids, and eating fried noodles. On September 13, 2023, Moriya accidentally burned her left hand at home. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around her burn. It is difficult for her to use her left hand due to the contractures, including playing with toys and carrying objects. When Moriya's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 6th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve her hand function. She and her family need help to fund this $495 procedure. Her dad shared "I want her fingers to straighten out, so that I won't worry about her development and her future."

Chhoum Malay is a widow and loving mom to four sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a seller at a local coffee shop in Phnom Penh. Chhom Malay lost her husband about ten years ago when he passed away from a brain tumor, so she now helps her daughter with the housework and cooking. In the evening, she likes to watch dramas on their TV. Seven months ago, Chhoum Malay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing and trouble seeing to eat or drink in low light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Chhoum Malay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Chhoum Malay's daughter said: "After surgery, we hope my mother can see well again, go outside by herself, and help me with housework."