Sivchov is an 11-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Siem Reap Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is in the seventh grade and is the third child of four siblings. His older brother works as a construction worker, his sister is in Grade 9, and his youngest brother is in Grade 2. He enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. His favorite subject is mathematics, and he hopes to become a teacher when he grows up. Sivchov was born with a left arm weakness caused by a difficult delivery, which damaged the nerves controlling the movement of his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. The injury causes weakness and limited movement of his left arm. He has difficulty lifting and controlling his arm, using his hand, extending his fingers, writing, carrying objects, and performing daily activities independently. Sivchov traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On July 20th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery, which will improve the movement and function of his left arm. It will help him use his arm more effectively for daily activities, improve his ability to hold objects, and allow him to become more independent. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $737 to fund this procedure. Sivchov's mother said, “I hope this surgery will give my son a better chance to use his left arm. I want him to study, play, and grow up with confidence like other children.”

Vania is a sweet toddler from Bolivia. She lives with her dad, who works in construction, her mom, who is a homemaker, and her older sister. She likes to play with dolls. Vania's parents noticed she was not gaining weight properly and took her to the local doctors, who discovered her heart condition called an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery. One of her coronary arteries connects to the blood vessels near her heart in an anatomically abnormal location. This leads to poor blood flow to the heart and causes heart failure over time. On August 26th, Vania will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will detach the coronary artery and reattach it in the appropriate location. Vania'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. Vania's mother says, "I pray my little daughter has a successful surgery; she is my sunshine."

Akai is a four-year-old girl from Kenya. She is the third-born in a family of four children. Akai experiences misalignment of her legs, and due to financial challenges, she has not been able to receive treatment for her condition before. Akai's condition was not noticeable until she began walking. Her mother noticed her legs were bowed, which made it difficult for her to run and play comfortably, and has led to isolation from her peers. Her guardian shared that Akai is supposed to start school soon, but due to the stigmatization she has been facing, it might be difficult for her to do so until she receives treatment. Fortunately, Akai was able to connect with our medical partner's hospital for review and treatment. On May 21st, she will undergo surgery to correct her condition and improve her quality of life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Akai's procedure and care. Akai's guardian said, "We will be grateful to see her walking like other children."