Valentino is a preschooler from Bolivia who lives with his mother and four older brothers. He loves to watch cartoons and enjoys his mother's s cooking. However, it is difficult for him to gain weight. Valentino has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On April 16th, he 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 his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 for this procedure. Valentino's mother says, "Our family will be so much happier and less stressed once we know that our son is normal and healthy."

Phai is a 60-year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampong Cham with his wife. Their five children and grandchildren live nearby and visit often. In his free time, Phai likes spending time with his grandchildren, studying Buddhism, and watching the local news. Around three months ago, Phai developed a cataract in his right eye, which caused him discomfort, blurred vision, and watery eyes. He has been unable to work for long periods due to vision loss. A cataract clouded the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places alone. When Phai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 6th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He said, "I want to go places alone and not feel afraid. When my vision improves, I can work more and help care for my family."

Sena is a two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. Sena's father is a farmer but he was asked to serve in the war. Sena loves driving handmade toy cars. Children in the village make toys with wheels and love to drive them. He also loves to play outdoors with his sister. Sena was born with epispadias, a birth condition affecting the urethra. Because of this condition, he is unable to pass urine properly. If not treated, Sena may have health complications, such as infertility, in the future. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On May 2nd, Sena will undergo corrective surgery for his condition and AMH is requesting $1,040 to fund this procedure. Sena's mother said, “I hope my child will get the treatment and heal. I hope he will be as healthy as other boys. I want to teach him and I hope he becomes a doctor.”