Santiago is a seven-year-old boy from Bolivia. Since Santiago's mother passed away when he was a year old, his adult sister has been taking care of him. Unfortunately, due to his heart condition, he developed a brain abscess that required three surgeries to treat and to make him medically stable for his heart surgery. Santiago is in good spirits and has been looking forward to this day so he can complete his surgeries. Santiago has a cardiac condition called total anomalous pulmonary vein return. The pulmonary veins are connected to an abnormal location in the heart, and as a result, oxygen-poor blood is circulated through the body rather than being sent to the lungs. On May 13th, Santiago will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will reattach the vessels to the heart at the normal location, so that blood can flow normally through the heart and body. Santiago's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Santiago's sister says, "I am so grateful my little brother can have his surgery now. I pray and trust all will go well."

Ronaldo is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of seven children. Ronaldo is a cheerful and energetic kid who loves playing and having fun with those around him. His father works as a casual laborer to support the family. Ronaldo was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgum, a condition that causes his legs to angle inward at the knees. Several factors can cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. As Ronaldo has grown, his parents have become increasingly concerned about how the condition may affect his ability to walk comfortably and participate fully in daily activities. They also worry about the challenges he may face when he starts school in the future. Ronaldo's family is seeking care in the hopes that undergoing treatment will give Ronaldo the best possible start in life and allow him to grow, play, and attend school without difficulty. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Ronaldo undergo treatment on June 2nd. This treatment will restore Ronaldo's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $777 to fund his surgery. Ronaldo's mother said, "We want Ronaldo to grow up strong, walk comfortably, and one day go to school like his brothers and sisters."

Teresu is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. Growing up in a farming community, Teresu spends much of his time helping with crop cultivation, an important source of livelihood for his family. He has never attended school but actively contributes to family work in the fields. Teresu has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles remain apart. His right leg is however more severely affected than the left. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. The condition has caused Teresu discomfort during long hours of standing and walking, limiting his ability to work and participate in daily activities. Despite the challenges, he remains hardworking and hopeful. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Teresu. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Teresu's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Teresu says, “I want to walk and work without pain, so I can help my family better.”