Iker is a five-year-old boy from Colombia. He is known for being intelligent, friendly, and full of energy. His cheerfulness is contagious to those around him, and his kindness, charm, and generosity leave a special impression on everyone who has the chance to meet him. Since birth, Iker has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It causes discomfort that prevents him from carrying out daily activities, like playing and running. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on November 26th, Iker will undergo repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, Clinica Noel. They are requesting $1,005 to fund Iker's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Iker's mother says, "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people who wish to help with my son’s surgery. Thanks to your generosity, we will be able to undergo a procedure we have been waiting for for many years. Your support fills us with hope and brings us closer to our dream of giving him a better quality of life. May God bless you today and always for opening your heart and reaching out to us at this very important time for our family. What we hope for most is that my son can have a better quality of life, greater well-being, and more opportunities to reach his full potential. We dream of seeing him grow up happy, overcome the challenges he faces today, and enjoy his childhood with greater peace of mind and confidence."

Kerventz is a high school student from Haiti. He has been raised in an orphanage in central Haiti since he was a small child, and still lives there today. He wants to pursue a career in science. In his free time, he likes playing video games and watching soccer on TV. Kerventz has a cardiac condition called mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and shut properly as a result of an infection he suffered as a child. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Kerventz needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 11th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair his damaged valve; if unable, they will replace it with an artificial valve. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to pay for the surgery. But Kerventz's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Kerventz's family overseas. Kerventz says, "I am so glad to finally have this opportunity, I have been worrying about my heart for a long time!"

Sylivia is 45 years old and a farmer from Uganda. She now lives with her husband, who is also a farmer, and her two step-granddaughters. The family depends primarily on farming for their livelihood, and she shares that one of her greatest joys is harvesting a successful crop after months of hard work. For two years, Sylivia has been experiencing persistent lower abdominal pain, which was later accompanied by uncomfortable gynaecological symptoms. The symptoms became so severe that she required two blood transfusions this year. In addition, she suffers from severe back pain and a sharp, stabbing pain that starts in her pelvic region and radiates to her back. Oral medication has not offered much relief. Sylivia was diagnosed with multiple large intramural and subserosal uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Sylivia's surgery. On November 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery, which will allow her to resume her daily activities free of pain. Sylvia says, “With surgery, I hope to get better and will be able to live a free and healthy life with no pain as I continue farming to keep up with my family.”