Alismendy is an adorable five-year-old preschooler from Haiti. He loves to play with toy cars and paint. Alismendy lives with his mother and father in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. His father works and his mother is the primary caregiver for the family. Alismendy has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, where a hole exists between two large blood vessels near his heart. This causes blood to leak through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. The surgery that Alismendy needs is not available within Haiti, so he will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On March 4th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a device attached to the tip of a catheter to plug the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life New York, is contributing $5,000 to support his surgery. Alismendy's family also needs help to fund the costs to prepare him for surgery and provide follow-up care. The $1,500 bill covers laboratory tests, medicines, check-ups, and follow-up visits. It also supports obtaining a passport for him and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alismendy's family overseas. Alismendy's mother says, "Our family has been hoping for this surgery ever since our son was diagnosed three years ago. We are so glad that the time has finally arrived."

Umaru is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. He farms on his small piece of land, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling the surplus to generate income for his family. Umaru came in presenting with an umbilical swelling, which he has had for close to 6 months. The pain and swelling progressed over time, affecting his movement and ability to perform daily activities. Umaru was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia and the doctors recommended for him to have surgery to remove the mass. Umaru traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 5th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Umaru needs help to raise $188 to fund this procedure. Umaru says, "With support, I hope to undergo my surgery, expect to get better, and continue farming in good health to sustain my family."

Phai is a 60-year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampong Cham with his wife. Their five children and grandchildren live nearby and visit often. In his free time, Phai likes spending time with his grandchildren, studying Buddhism, and watching the local news. Around three months ago, Phai developed a cataract in his right eye, which caused him discomfort, blurred vision, and watery eyes. He has been unable to work for long periods due to vision loss. A cataract clouded the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places alone. When Phai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 6th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He said, "I want to go places alone and not feel afraid. When my vision improves, I can work more and help care for my family."