Valentina is a 3-year-old toddler who lives with her mother, father, and younger sister in a city in central Bolivia. Her father is a construction worker and her mother is a homemaker. Valentina is very outgoing and enjoys drawing and painting. When Valentina was younger, health workers came to her house for a vaccination campaign and noticed that she was very small for her age. They helped the family reach a pediatrician and then a cardiologist, who diagnosed her with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition in which a hole exists between two major blood vessels next to the heart. PDA can cause poor growth, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Valentina will be undergoing heart surgery on March 27th to treat her condition. During surgery, doctors will close the hole so that blood will no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is asking for $1,500 to fund this surgery. After surgery, Valentina is expected to grow stronger and healthier. Valentina's mother shares: "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping to fix our daughter's heart!"

Vastine is a small scale farmer from Uganda. She is 39 years old and is currently expecting her fifth child. Vastine completed her primary education but, due to financial constraints, could not pursue further studies. During holidays, she decided to marry. As the eldest of seven siblings, all of whom are married except one engaged in casual labor. Vastine is from a farming family with both parents still actively involved in agriculture. Her husband, a casual worker in town, strives to support the family financially. Although limited by resources, she has a particular interest in poultry, maintaining a modest flock of approximately five hens. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Vastine presented herself at the antenatal clinic. Her first two births occurred in 2007 and 2010, both via C-section. Subsequently, in 2013 and 2017, she experienced miscarriages. In 2015, she successfully delivered her third child naturally, and in 2020, she had her last child through another C-section. Throughout her current pregnancy, she has diligently attended antenatal clinics at Nyakibale Hospital seven times for the comprehensive care package. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because this is a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Vastine undergo a C-Section on December 1st. This procedure will cost $252, and Vastine needs your support to ensure a safe delivery. Vastine says, “I wish I can deliver my baby alive and in good health under the support of the donors. I cannot afford the bills for this surgery on my own.”

76-year-old Smaoh Bernado is a married man from Mpando Village in Mozambique. He has seven children, all of whom are married and in their respective homes. He lives with his wife and grandchildren. In the past, Smaoh was a farmer who grew maize for consumption and commercial purposes to support his family; however, due to his old age, he now depends on his children for support. Smaoh has been using a catheter for the past year as a result of his inability to pass urine. He experiences pain while attempting to pass urine and much discomfort from the catheter. He has been going to a local health center for regular catheter changes until he opted to seek additional evaluation and treatment at our medical partner's care center Nkhoma Hospital. Smaoh was diagnosed with enlarged prostate, and was scheduled for open prostatectomy surgery. His family is unable to cover the complete expenses of the procedure. If left untreated, he may have recurrent urinary tract infections, and he may have to live with the catheter. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Smaoh receive treatment. On March 12th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform open prostatectomy surgery which will relieve him of the pain. Now, Smaoh needs help to fund this $530 procedure. Smaoh says, “I look forward to returning home free from this condition.”