Christian is a family provider from the Philippines. He works as a dispatcher and is the only one supporting his family’s daily needs. Eight years ago, Christian began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent pain in his abdomen and back. He was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Christian is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on April 13th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. WSFP is raising the remaining $869 to cover the cost of Christian's surgery and care. Christian says, "I am looking forward to a full recovery. This operation is so important that my life depends on it. My family depends on me."

Charlina is a baby girl from Haiti. She lives with her parents in a city on the southern coast; her father works in construction, and her mother currently stays home to care for her. Charlina has a cardiac condition called double outlet right ventricle. one of the major blood vessels carrying blood from her heart is attached to the heart at an anatomically abnormal location, which prevents blood from circulating normally through her heart and body. She also has Down syndrome. Charlina will fly to the Dominican Republic to undergo surgery on March 18th. As Charlina's heart is still too small to completely repair this condition, she will undergo cardiac surgery, where doctors will implant a shunt in her heart that will help blood circulate more normally, and keep her safe and healthy until she has reached an age where a full repair is possible. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4500.00 to pay for the surgery. Charlina's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. They need 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 Charlina's family overseas. Charlina's mother shared, "I am hopeful that after this surgery Charlina will have more appetite and energy than she does now!"

Sintanan is a three-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Ethiopia. His mother spends long days working in the flower industry. All day, she is surrounded by beauty, but also harsh pesticides, which take a toll on her body, that she needs regular medical checkups just to stay healthy. Sintanan's father works with his hands, doing heavy lifting work wherever he can find it. Despite the struggle, their love for their son keeps them moving. One year ago, Sintanan began experiencing difficulty in breathing, snoring, sleep disturbance and fevers. He is often very sick, which creates a problem for his family because his parents are day laborers, and a day spent nursing Sintanan is a day they don't get paid. When he is sick, they stay awake all night, watching him closely, because they are so afraid something bad will happen while they sleep. Sintanan has been diagnosed with enlarged tonsils. He requires surgery treatment, but his parents are unable to pay for it. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sintanan, which is scheduled to take place on February 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sintanan of his symptoms, and helping him to live more comfortably. "We long to see our son sleep through the night, and eat without pain. It would be our greatest joy to know that infections are no longer affecting his development," said Sintanan's parents.