Aitana is a young girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom and her dad, who have a small convenience store. Aitana has a twin sister and an older brother; they live in the northern part of Bolivia. Where they live, there are no cardiologists. So, when her mom noticed that her heart was beating too fast, she took her to a different area where she found out she had a heart condition and needed surgery. Aitana has a cardiac condition called an atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. On April 15th, Aitana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Aitana'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. Aitana's mother shared, "We were looking forward to this day, I trust everything will go well, I pray for that."

Zubeir is a 20-month-old baby from Kenya. His father takes on occasional environmental cleaning jobs offered by the government, work that may come only once or twice a year. Seven months after Zubeir was born, his parents began to notice something that unsettled their hearts. Zubeir has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Zubeir has been experiencing his head growing larger than normal. They rushed him to a nearby medical facility in their desperation for answers. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Zubeir that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 12th and will drain the excess fluid from Zubeir's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Zubeir will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “Every day I see him, I see strength and possibility. I pray the surgery will help him shine even brighter,” Zubeir’s father shared.

Chanthy is a 35-year-old father and excavator driver from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Thom province with his wife and their three children. His eldest child is in Grade 7, his second child is in Grade 3, and their youngest is just one month old. His wife stays at home to manage the household and care for the children, but the family faces many challenges and struggles to make ends meet, especially with a newborn to look after. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends in the village. Three days ago, Chanthy had an accident when an excavator rolled over his leg as he was helping his neighbor whose truck was stuck in the mud. He has a severe wound on his left lower leg, is experiencing intense pain, and is unable to walk, which makes it difficult for him to care for himself and support his family. When Chanthy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound, reduce pain, and restore his ability to walk and use his leg normally. Chanthy can contribute $50, but needs help raising $367 more to fund his procedure and care. Chanthy said, “The pain is so strong that I can’t walk, and it has been very hard for me and my family. I hope that with this treatment, my leg will heal so I can stand and take care of my children again.”