Neisha is a three-year-old preschooler from Haiti. She is the first born child in her family, and lives with her parents in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She likes coloring with crayons and going to church with her mother. Neisha 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 without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Neisha needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 15th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood no longer leaks through it. Another organization is contributing money to pay for surgery. Neisha'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 Neisha's family overseas. Neisha's mother says, "I have been so worried and scared about my daughter's health, and am so happy that her heart can finally be fixed!"

Lida is a 20-year-old garment factory worker from Cambodia. She is the youngest of six siblings and lives with her elderly mother. Her father passed away three years ago, while all of her siblings work in garment factories. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and watching movies. In September 2024, Lida was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in open fractures of her left thigh bone and shin bone. She initially received treatment at a private hospital before coming to CSC for further care. She continues to have stiffness in her left knee and ankle and needs crutches to walk. She also has discharge from the outer side of her left ankle, causing ongoing discomfort and making it difficult for her to move independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On September 03, Lida will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. Removing the frame and applying a below-knee cast will support the next stage of her recovery, helping protect her leg while it continues to heal and allowing her to work toward walking more independently. Lida said, “I hope this treatment will help my leg heal, and reduce the infection and discomfort. I look forward to walking more independently and returning to my normal daily activities.”

Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.