Wendy is a 13-month-old girl living with her grandmother in Kenya. She was born at home and is currently under her grandmother’s care, as Wendy’s mother is hospitalized due to mental illness. The grandmother is responsible for caring for Wendy, her other children, and her sick daughter. She is unemployed and relies on farm produce for her family's survival. About three weeks ago, Wendy’s grandmother noticed a swelling around her belly button and observed that Wendy was crying excessively at night, which prompted her to take Wendy to hospital for medical evaluation. She has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a tissue bulge that occurs near the belly button due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. If left untreated, Wendy may develop complications such as severe pain, strangulation, or bowel obstruction. Fortunately, on May 11th, Wendy will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nazareth Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $517 to fund Wendy's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live healthier and more comfortably. Wendy's grandmother says: "I am so worried about my granddaughter's health. I will be so happy and grateful to receive support, so that Wendy can be well, and I will be able to work and take care of my family."

Edson is a five-year-old boy from Haiti. He lives with his parents and older sister in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, where his parents work as vendors. Edson is in preschool, likes arts and crafts, and has been learning to read. Edson has a cardiac condition that involves several related congenital conditions, including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These defects prevent blood from circulating normally through the heart and from passing through the lungs to obtain enough oxygen. Edson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On April 6th, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart and remove the muscular blockage from the valve. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, has raised $6,500 to assist in paying for surgery. Edson's family needs help funding the costs of surgical preparation. He needs help raising $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 Edson's family overseas. Edson's mother shared, "Our family is hopeful that after this surgery, our son's health will finally be completely normal!"

Yohana is a five-year-old girl from Ethiopia. She is in kindergarten and is an active member of her household, supported by her mother and her father, an electrician and electronics maintenance staff member. Having dealt with chronic tonsillitis since she was a toddler, Yohana has spent over half of her life navigating the difficult challenges of this condition. For three years now, Yohana has been experiencing snoring, fevers, and a painful throat. These recurring infections, filled with frequent fevers and intense pain, have often pulled her away from her first years of school. They have also disrupted the energetic play she should be enjoying with her brother. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Yohana, which is scheduled to take place on April 25th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Yohana of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Yohana's parents shared, "We hope the surgery will allow her to grow up to be active and energetic."