Joel is a young student from Bolivia. He lives with his grandfather, who works in construction. Joel's mom works in Brazil in order to earn some money to send to the family. This year, Joel's grandfather noticed Joel looked very tired when walking, and his lips turned purple. Joel was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This involves a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Joel does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On September 2nd, Joel will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Joel'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. Joel's grandfather says, "Joel likes to go to school and have friends. I pray his surgery goes well so he can be healthy and return home."

Rin is 58 years old and a rice farmer from Cambodia. He and his wife have three sons and a daughter. During his free time, he likes to watch boxing. About one year ago, Rin developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Rin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled three hours to seek treatment. On September 7th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Rin said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can go back to growing rice and corn. I don’t worry about my eye anymore."

Angel is a student from Colombia. He is a bright, responsible boy who is dedicated to his studies, which has allowed him to consistently excel at school. He is known for being curious, intelligent, cheerful, and very active. He enjoys anime, soccer, board games, traveling with his family, and playing freely; he also loves learning fun facts about animals and dinosaurs. He is currently learning to play the guitar and is on a soccer team. Angel began experiencing pain in early 2025, which forced him to stop playing soccer for a few months. He has an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on September 30th, Angel will undergo repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He needs help raising $1,005 to fund his procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Angel's parents say, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in children and for giving our son a future filled with well-being and joy. Thank you also for supporting us as parents in our mission to always give him the best; sometimes we do our very best, and it still isn’t enough, so your help has been a true blessing. May God reward you abundantly for your generosity."