Hangatu is a 60-year-old mother of four from Ethiopia. For many years, she and her husband worked on their farm, until her husband died about a year ago. Following this, Hangatu's son, his wife and their children moved in with her. Presently, the whole household lives and works together, depending on the farm for food and income. Over the past four years, a cataract has slowly clouded Hangatu's right eye. At first, her vision was only a little blurry, but it kept getting worse. Now the eye is completely clouded, and she can barely see out of it. She struggles to see clearly, judge distances, and move around safely, especially in bright sunlight or at dusk. Simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, and walking independently have become hard. Farm work, which needs good eyesight and steady hands, is now difficult and sometimes unsafe. She worries about falling or hurting herself while working. Hangatu, who has always been hardworking and independent, is now unable to contribute the way she used to, and relies on her son and his family for help. Fortunately, Hangatu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Hangatu needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. She says, "I am worried about living in darkness. If I get an opportunity to see again, I will work beside my son, help my family, and take care of myself like before."

Sousin is a seven-month-old baby girl from Cambodia. She is the only child in the family and lives in Phnom Penh with her parents. Her father is an architect, and her mother runs a grocery shop. She enjoys playing with dolls and toys and likes drinking milk. Sousin was born with syndactyly of the left foot. This means that her first, second, and third toes are fused. The joined toes may affect the normal growth and development of her left foot as she grows. It may make it difficult for her to wear shoes comfortably and could affect her ability to stand and walk normally in the future. Fortunately, on July 20th, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused toes. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will have a more normally shaped foot and will be able to use her left foot more comfortably. The procedure will help her foot develop properly and support her ability to stand, walk, and wear shoes more easily as she grows. Sousin's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter’s foot develop normally so she can walk comfortably, play happily, and grow up with confidence like other children.”

Maria Fernanda is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. She is a sweet, kind-hearted girl full of dreams who enjoys spending time with others and leaves a special impression on everyone she meets. Her optimistic spirit and her ability to face challenges with courage are an inspiration to her family and to those who accompany her on her journey. Three years ago, Maria Fernanda was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild tenderness or discomfort around the navel, which becomes more noticeable when the child cries, coughs, or exerts himself. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. On October 20th, Maria Fernanda will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Maria Fernanda's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably. Maria Fernanda's mother said, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who are supporting her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally; that gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God abundantly bless your life and that of your family. Your support not only helps us meet a medical need but also restores our hope and peace of mind, knowing that María Fernanda will be able to receive the care she needs. We will always be grateful for this act of love and solidarity."