Matias, who is nine months old, lives in eastern Bolivia with his parents and his older brother. His mother is a homemaker, while his father works selling car parts. Matias' mother noticed that he had a very low appetite and struggled with his milk bottle. She took him to a doctor, who discovered that Matias has a cardiac condition called atrioventricular septal defect. Because of this condition, Matias has a large hole in the center of his heart, causing blood from all four of the heart's chambers to mix. Therefore, the blood doesn't circulate properly to deliver oxygen to Matias' body. The heart works too hard, making it difficult for Matias to grow and to have enough energy. Matias also has Down syndrome. On March 3rd, Matias will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will use patches to close the hole in the center of his heart, so that blood flows normally through the chambers. Matias's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Matias' mother said: "I pray my son will have a successful surgery, so he can have a healthy life. I have to be strong for him."

Fozan is a beautiful four-year-old boy with a bright smile from Ethiopia. He loves playing football, solving puzzles, and singing children’s songs. He also enjoys spending time playing with his older brother. Fozan is the second child in his family. His mother is a housewife, and his father works as a taxi driver. The family lives in a rented house and works hard to provide for their children. The condition came to the family’s attention when Fozan’s aunt took her own baby to a clinic for a procedure. During the visit, the doctor discovered that her baby had an undescended testicle and explained the condition to the family. After learning about this, Fozan’s aunt informed her brother. When Fozan’s father checked his son, he noticed that one side of Fozan’s scrotum appeared empty and immediately took him to a clinic. The doctor explained that surgery was needed at an early age, which made the family feel anxious and worried about the condition, and the doctor referred them to another hospital for further evaluation and treatment. At the referral Hospital, doctors confirmed the need for surgery. Fozan was placed on a waiting list, and the family waited anxiously for three months. Later, when Fozan’s father returned to check on the waiting list, the hospital staff informed him that they had tried to contact the family but could not reach them by phone. They also told him that Fozan had been referred to Bethany Kids for treatment. Soon after, Fozan and his father visited our facility, where Fozan was carefully examined. Fozan was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Fozan has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Fozan will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 13th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Fozan’s father conveyed his gratitude, stating, "I am truly delighted with the service and hope the surgery will be successful. I am excited, especially when the doctor told me that my child's surgery will be performed laparoscopically."

Ponleu is a four-year-old kindergarten student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents and his eight-month-old younger brother. His father works as a security guard, and his mother is a rice farmer. He enjoys writing and reading Khmer, loves watching cartoons and playing with toys, and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. For the past two years, Ponleu has been experiencing a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, nasal congestion, frequent cough, enlarged adenoids and tonsils, and fluid behind both eardrums (glue ear), causing mild to moderate hearing loss. His repeated ear and nose problems make it difficult for him to hear clearly and breathe comfortably. The condition can affect his learning, sleep, and enjoyment of everyday activities at kindergarten. Ponleu was recently diagnosed with enlarged adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund an adenoidectomy and grommet insertion for Ponleu, which is scheduled to take place on July 17th. Surgeons will remove his adenoids, hopefully relieving Ponleu of his symptoms and helping him hear better and live much more comfortably. Ponleu's grandfather said, “I hope this surgery will help my grandson breathe and hear better so he can stay healthy, enjoy kindergarten, and play happily without getting sick so often.”