Ketmada is a 17-year-old student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three older siblings in a mountainous village in central Haiti. Her father is a school custodian, and her mother is a homemaker. She likes cosmetics and beauty care and would like to be a professional cosmetician one day. Ketmada has been diagnosed with a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the valves in her heart does not open and close properly due to an infection she suffered earlier in childhood, and as a result, her heart cannot adequately circulate blood through her body. Ketmada needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 24th, Ketmada will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally. If her valve cannot be repaired, the surgeons will instead remove it and implant an artificial replacement. While another organization, Mitral Foundation, is funding Ketmada's surgery, her family will also need help to fund the costs of her surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. That amount will also support securing travel documents for her family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Ketmada's family overseas. Ketmada says joyfully, "I am very excited to have this surgery so that I can stop worrying so much about my heart!"

Lysander is 81 years old and a father of two from the Philippines. He and his wife live with their daughter and son, who provides for the family's needs. He likes listening to the radio and reading the newspaper. Five years ago, Lysander was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him frequent pain, making him irritable. He has difficulty moving and lifting heavy objects. Fortunately, on February 7th, Lysander will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Lysander's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Lysander's children shared, "It is unbearable to see our father in pain, but now he has a chance to live normally again. He is looking forward to recovering and moving comfortably like before."

Selix is a 68-year-old security guard and small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with four adult children. He and his wife continue working hard to meet household upkeep and basic needs. In 2025, Selix was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He has been experiencing severe pain and frequent swelling episodes, which interfere with his daily activities. Fortunately, on April 9th, Selix will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Selix is contributing to his surgery treatment, but needs an additional $575 to fund the procedure. He says, "Kindly help me to get better, so I can continue supporting myself, as my children are already supporting their families. I wish to age peacefully, without pain."