Matias, who is nine months old, lives in eastern Bolivia with his parents and his older brother. His mother is a homemaker, while his father works selling car parts. Matias' mother noticed that he had a very low appetite and struggled with his milk bottle. She took him to a doctor, who discovered that Matias has a cardiac condition called atrioventricular septal defect. Because of this condition, Matias has a large hole in the center of his heart, causing blood from all four of the heart's chambers to mix. Therefore, the blood doesn't circulate properly to deliver oxygen to Matias' body. The heart works too hard, making it difficult for Matias to grow and to have enough energy. Matias also has Down syndrome. On March 3rd, Matias will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will use patches to close the hole in the center of his heart, so that blood flows normally through the chambers. Matias's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Matias' mother said: "I pray my son will have a successful surgery, so he can have a healthy life. I have to be strong for him."

Sopheaktra is a seven-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who both work in a glasses factory, and his two siblings. He is currently in second grade and enjoys reading and writing. In his free time, he likes playing with his friends and eating his favorite food, fried pork. For the past four months, Sopheaktra has been experiencing difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, and loud snoring at night. He also experiences frequent throat infections, occurring about twice per month over the past year. This has affected his sleep and overall well-being, and has made it difficult for him to attend school regularly and participate in activities with his friends. Sopheaktra was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly worsen over time. Fortunately, on April 22nd, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will help Sopheaktra undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy — a procedure to remove the tonsils and adenoids. This procedure will cost $345, and Sopheaktra needs your support to fund the surgery. Sopheaktra's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope my son will be able to breathe easily, swallow without difficulty, and sleep peacefully at night. I also hope he will no longer have frequent throat infections and can return to his normal, healthy life.”

Mao is a 70-year-old rice farmer from Preah Vihear province in Cambodia. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. Mao is married and has two sons and four grandchildren. Her husband and youngest son are in the military, and her oldest son is a rice farmer. About one year ago, Mao developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is unable to go places on her own. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), she traveled for 8 hours seeking treatment. On April 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Mao can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund her procedure and care. Mao said, "I hope, after surgery, my eye can see clearly, I can come back to growing rice and doing housework well, and I won't worry about my eye anymore."