Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana 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 her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

Jeremiah is a two-year-old baby boy born to humble small-scale farmers in Uganda. Since birth, Jeremiah has been suffering from hydrocele, a collection of fluid in the scrotal sac, which causes it to swell. The condition has been causing him much discomfort and pain, especially when playing with other children his age. As the condition persisted, Jeremiah’s mother became increasingly worried about his health and future well-being. Determined to seek help for her son despite the family’s financial hardships, she brought him to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital for assessment. Jeremiah needs to undergo a hydrocelectomy, a surgery to correct the condition and prevent future complications. Doctors have explained that if the hydrocele is not treated in time, the accumulated fluid may later become infected and could expose Jeremiah to serious complications such as testicular torsion, chronic pain, and health problems that may interfere with his growth and development. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jeremiah receive treatment. On June 2nd, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery to restore his health, relieve pain, and help him grow into a healthy child like his peers. Now, Jeremiah's family needs help to fund this $220 procedure. His mother says, “Every mother dreams of seeing her child healthy and happy. I pray for support, so that my son can receive treatment and grow without pain.”

Beryl is a cheerful six-year-old girl from Kenya. She is the seventh born in her family of nine children. Her mother is a single parent working hard to raise and educate her children. Beryl has clubfoot of the left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Beryl's mother noticed a difference in her gait when she was between 1.5 and 2 years old. She brought Beryl to a nearby health facility, where she was given medication, but no physical treatment was done, and it had no impact on her condition. Unable to pursue further treatment at the time, Beryl's mother remained very worried to see her child having difficulty walking and facing stigma from her peers at school. Beryl's mother later learned about our medical partner's surgical program from people in her village who had similar conditions and were able to receive successful treatment. Beryl's mother immediately reached out to our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital, to schedule Beryl for treatment. After facing isolation during some games at school, like jumping rope, Beryl is happy to see kids with a similar condition to hers being active. She shared her excitement about joining her friends in games once she is able to walk more easily. On June 10th, surgeons at AIC Cure International Hospital will perform clubfoot repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Beryl's surgery, which will help improve her mobility, self-esteem, and ease of attending school. Beryl's mother said, "I will be able to reach my full provision potential when Beryl fully recovers, as I will not have to worry much about taking her to hospitals and clinics."