Joel is a young student from Bolivia. He lives with his grandfather, who works in construction. Joel's mom works in Brazil in order to earn some money to send to the family. This year, Joel's grandfather noticed Joel looked very tired when walking, and his lips turned purple. Joel was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This involves a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Joel does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On September 2nd, Joel will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Joel'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. Joel's grandfather says, "Joel likes to go to school and have friends. I pray his surgery goes well so he can be healthy and return home."

Miftah is a playful eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing football, spending time with his younger brother, and watching television and cartoons. He is currently in Grade Two. Miftah's father is a daily laborer, while his mother works as a cleaner. Since birth, Miftah has had an inguinal hernia. This condition occurs when tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak area in the groin muscles, causing a swelling or bulge. His mother first noticed the swelling while he was playing. The swelling would appear and then disappear on its own. Later, when Miftah became unwell and complained of stomach pain, his mother took him to the hospital. During the examination, the doctor noticed the swelling and requested an ultrasound scan. Miftah was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Fortunately, on September 25th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $512 to fund Miftah's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Miftah's mother shared, “The staff welcomed us warmly and clearly explained everything about my son’s condition and treatment. I am very grateful for their support. It was a great relief to learn that he could receive the surgery. Thank you to everyone who is helping children like Miftah. I pray that Miftah will be blessed with good health and many more happy years. May God bless you all for the care and support you have given him.”

Barkot is a nine-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is in the second grade at school, and lives with his parents and brother. His mother is a police officer, and his father is a driver. Since birth, Barkot has suffered from persistent tonsillitis. The condition has been causing him pain and discomfort, difficulty in sleeping at night and snoring. This has worried his parents, especially since they both hold demanding jobs and it's challenging to have them stay home when he is sick. Additionally, frequent school absences have become a major barrier to both his academic progress and social development. Barkot was recently brought to our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, and diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. His family is seeking $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Barkot, which is scheduled to take place on June 6th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Barkot of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. "We are fully committed to getting him healthier, to ensure that he consistently attends school and achieves academic growth," said Barkot's parents.