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."

Salorn is 44 years old and a mother of two from Cambodia. Her husband is a construction worker. Their oldest child is married, and the youngest is in Grade 5. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news on her phone and doing household chores. In 2018, Salorn developed right calcaneum osteomyelitis, a condition where bacteria penetrate the bone tissue and bone marrow, often involving the surrounding soft tissues. She experiences constant pain, discharge, and difficulty walking, requiring a crutch to maintain balance. Her condition has limited her mobility and ability to work. She visited a hospital in Vietnam, where doctors recommended surgery, but she could not afford the cost. Salorn was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where she underwent several surgeries in 2020. For a time, she was able to walk and move more comfortably again. However, a year ago, the pain returned, and her condition worsened. Again, Salorn traveled to CSC for four hours seeking treatment. On March 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to relieve pain, remove infected tissue, and restore her ability to walk and return to work. Now, Salorn needs help to fund this $412 procedure. Salorn said, “After the surgery, I truly hope that I can finally walk without pain again, regain my strength, and return to work so I can better support my family and give my youngest child a brighter future.”

Sabou is a 74-year-old retired fisherwoman from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is a widow with three sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. Her husband died 10 years ago, and Sabou now lives with her eldest daughter, who is a tailor. About one year ago, Sabou developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is reluctant to go out on her own, due to her compromised vision. When Sabou learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours to seek treatment. On April 6th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Sabou should be able to see clearly again. Sabou and her family are able to contribute $50 towards the cost of her treatment, and need help raising $213 more to fund the procedure. She says: "I hope that I will be able to see better after surgery, so that I can go out on my own again."