Valentino is a preschooler from Bolivia who lives with his mother and four older brothers. He loves to watch cartoons and enjoys his mother's s cooking. However, it is difficult for him to gain weight. Valentino has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On April 16th, he 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 in his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 for this procedure. Valentino's mother says, "Our family will be so much happier and less stressed once we know that our son is normal and healthy."

Sam Ol is a 19-year-old young man from Kampong Spueu province in Cambodia. He lives with his parents and they all work in nearby rice fields. In his free time, Sam Ol enjoys having conversations with his neighbors in the village, and browsing the social media. In February 2023, Sam Ol was involved in an accident between a motorcycle and a tractor, and he sustained a closed fracture of his right shinbone. The injury also resulted in tendon damage, causing a shortening of muscles in his foot. This has caused muscle stiffness and contracture, and the nerve injury is a high risk for muscle paralysis. He went to a local hospital for treatment, but he has still been finding it difficult to walk due to chronic pain. Since his injury, Sam Ol hasn't been working very often, and the family's income is significantly reduced. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. On May 2nd, Sam Ol will undergo a tendon transfer procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will improve the function and mobility of his leg. Sam Ol and his family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $472 more to fund the cost of the surgery and post-op care. Sam Ol says: "I am eager to return to work and contribute to supporting my family again."

Vireak is a 21-year-old man from Cambodia who lives with his parents, sisters, two brothers-in-law, two nephews, and three siblings. His father collects coconuts for sale by climbing palm trees, while his mother is a housewife. His siblings and their spouses work as fishermen or construction workers. Because Vireak cannot work, he spends his time watching TV with his family. In September 2022, Vireak was in a motor vehicle accident, which resulted in an open fracture of his left femur. He was sent to a local hospital for treatment, where he had an external fixation for six months. After removing the fixator, a nail was put in, but it became infected and had to be taken out. Additionally, his left leg is now shorter than his right leg due to bone loss. It is difficult for him to walk, and he is in chronic pain. Due to his family's limited means, he cannot afford to return to the hospital where he first had surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 1st, Vireak will undergo a fracture repair procedure. His family is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise $383 more to fund the procedure. Vireak said, "After surgery, I hope to walk normally without pain and be able to find a job to help my family."