Innocent is a cheerful one-year-old boy from Uganda, who brings joy to everyone around him. He loves to smile and, when he is feeling well, rarely spends a moment without expressing his happiness. He lives with his parents, who are small-scale farmers and rely on a limited income to meet their needs. Innocent is their only child, and the family has been doing their best to care for him despite financial challenges. Innocent was born with a condition known as non-palpable testis, meaning one of his testicles has not descended into the scrotum. His mother also noticed a swelling in his scrotal sac. Concerned about his condition, his parents first sought help at a local clinic, where they were advised to visit a larger hospital for specialized care. Innocent’s family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital, for further evaluation. Upon arrival, he was reviewed by doctors and underwent diagnostic imaging. The surgical team confirmed that he has right cryptorchidism (undescended testis). To correct this condition and prevent future complications, the surgeon has recommended an orchidopexy procedure to reposition the undescended testis into its proper place, improving Innocent’s long-term health and development. Fortunately, Innocent has been scheduled for corrective surgery on June 2nd at Rushoroza Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $220 to fund Innocent's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life, and reduce the risk of infertility or testicular cancer. Innocent's mother says, "I pray to God that my son will get the support he needs to undergo the recommended surgery, so that he can live a healthier and happy life with no pain."

Lat is a 64-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. She is married and has three sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren. She lives with her husband and her daughter, who is a student. She likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Lat developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Lat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 12th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Lat and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $188 more to fund the surgery. She says, "I hope that after surgery, I will be able to see better, so I can recognize relatives, and I can help my daughter with housework."

Michelsa is a young student from Haiti. She is in the first grade and likes art and music. Michelsa lives with her mother, grandmother, and two siblings in a city on the west coast of Haiti. Her mother sews school uniforms for a living. Michelsa has a cardiac condition called pulmonary stenosis. One of the four valves in Michelsa's heart is too narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow through it and leading to heart failure. Michelsa will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 11th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a balloon on the end of a catheter to stretch the valve open to a more normal size. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4,000 to pay for surgery. Michelsa'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 Michelsa's family overseas. Michelsa's mother shares, "Our family is very hopeful that after this surgery, we can let my daughter run and play without worrying about her health."