Thorn is a 73-year-old retired rice farmer with five sons and 30 grandchildren.Thorn likes to go to the pagoda and listen to the monks pray. About one year ago, Thorn developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Thorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 3rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Thorn says, "I hope after surgery my vision can improve."

Melodie is an 11-month-old baby from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her mother, father, and two older sisters. Her father is a school principal, and her mother is a homemaker. Melodie has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. There is a hole between the two lower chambers of Melodie's heart. Blood leaks through this hole without first passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Melodie also has Down Syndrome. Since the care she needs is not available in Haiti, Melodie will fly to Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On April 18th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will close the hole in Melodie's heart using a patch. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is contributing $8,000 to pay for the surgery. Melodie's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Melodie's family overseas. Melodie's mother shared: "Our family has been very scared about whether our daughter will have surgery in time. We are very happy to know that the date is almost here!"

Jackline is farmer who is helping raise her grandson after her daughter died in a road traffic accident last year. She plants maize and beans to earn a living for herself and her grandson. For the past six months, Jackline has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and other worrying symptoms. Doctors have diagnosed her with uterine myomas. She needs surgery but is unable to raise the money needed for surgery and has asked for help. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is raising $219 to fund Jackline's surgery. On April 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Jackline will be able to resume her daily activities and caring for her grandson free of pain. Jackline said: “I will really be glad to have my health restored and will be able to continue farming to provide for my grandson.”