Jeremias is a two-month-old baby from Bolivia. He lives with his mother, father, and three older siblings in a rural area two hours outside the capital. Jeremias' parents are both farmers. Jeremias has a cardiac condition called coarctation of aorta. He was born with an aorta that is narrower than normal. His heart struggles to pass blood through the valve, leading to weakness and heart failure. On June 26th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will open his aorta to a size where blood can flow more easily. Jeremias' family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Jeremias' mother shared, "Our family has been very sad and frightened because our son has been so sick since he was born. We are very happy to know that there is a way to fix his heart problem!"

Phary is a 53-year-old rice and vegetable farmer from Svay Rieng province. She has two daughters, three sons, and four grandchildren. Nine years ago, her husband unfortunately died in a traffic accident. Now, she lives with her eldest daughter, who works as a waitress in a local casino. During her free time, Phary enjoys cooking and watching Cambodian dramas on TV. About four years ago, Phary developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and photophobia. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the layer is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind or dust. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Phary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 19th, Phary will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the growth and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Phary is able to contribute $50 towards the cost of his treatment and needs help raising $175 more to fund the procedure. Phary says, "I hope my eye will stop itching so that I can work and help take care of my family."

Clara is a small-scale farmer, farming maize, rice, and legumes. Like many farmers this year, Clara complained of a small yield from this harvest season. She is 65 years old and a single mother of five children. With no support from their father since their separation, she struggled to take care of her children. Clara shares her home with her daughter and grandchildren. Earlier this year in March, Clara went to inspect her rice farm together with her sister. Her sister couldn’t help but notice that Clara was unusually quiet and looked weak. As they went about their inspection, Clara screamed in agony whilst holding her abdomen and collapsed to the ground. She was rushed to a mission hospital in Dedza where she was admitted for three days. On June 3rd, Clara visited Nkhoma Hospital on clinic day after three months of continuous illness. Clara faints, vomits, and does not eat enough. Clara was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor and the recommended procedure is a laparotomy and wedge resection of the tumor. This surgery will improve Clara’s current health status greatly. The tumor will be removed and should no longer experience pain. Her surgery is scheduled for July 3rd. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is requesting $709 for treatment. This will cover the costs of medications, surgery, care supplies, and hospital stay. Clara says, "For me, being able to eat and not have fainting spells and abdominal pains will be a huge blessing in my life. I look forward to good health after the surgery is successful.”