Sorphea is a 51-year-old middle school teacher from Cambodia. She is a mother of three. Sorphea's husband serves in the army and her eldest daughter helps support the family by working in a nearby garment factory. Sorphea enjoys listening to music and watching Cambodian dramas at home. Thirty years ago, Sorphea had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Sorphea experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, frequent headaches, and ear discharge. It is difficult for her to hear her students and family. Because of this condition, she has taken numerous sick days from her work at the school. Sorphea traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 14th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, the surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $926 to fund this procedure to cover medications, supplies, and in-patient care. Sorphea shared, "I hope I can improve my hearing and get back to my job so I can help my students and support my family."

Luz is a three-year-old girl from a mining town in central Bolivia. Her mother is a farmer and her father sadly passed away from a heart attack soon after she was born. Luz has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and dependent on an external oxygen tank. Fortunately, our medical partner, The International Cardiac Alliance can help. Luz is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on March 21st. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund her procedure. Luz's mother says, "I am looking forward to my daughter being able to play normally and start preschool after her surgery!"

Rebecca is a playful two-year-old girl from Haiti. She lives with her parents and four siblings. Rebecca has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Rebecca has been experiencing Increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Rebecca will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of surgery for Rebecca at Hospital Bernard Mevs that will treat her hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on February 29th. This critical treatment will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Rebecca's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Rebecca should develop into a strong, healthy young girl. The family is looking forward to a successful surgery.