Mateo is a toddler from Bolivia. He is his parents' first child. He lives with his mom, who is a homemaker, and his dad, who works distributing soda. When he was born prematurely at 30 weeks, Mateo had to be in an incubator where doctors detected his heart condition. Mateo has a cardiac condition called tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), a combination of four heart conditions, including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Mateo does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 6th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow more normally. Mateo's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Mateo's mother shared, "I'm grateful my child is going to receive his surgery so he can grow and be a healthy boy."

Meshack is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in his family. His mother is a preacher, and cares for her young children. Despite her responsibilities, she has made strong efforts to find specialized treatment for Meshack after noticing that his hand movement was becoming more restricted. When Meshack was very young, he sustained a burn injury on his right hand. Though the wound has healed, the scars have become tight over time, causing a burn scar contracture. The contracture has affected finger movement and palm opening, making it difficult for his hand to function normally as he grows. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Meshack receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and skin graft to greatly improve his hand development and future independence. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Meshack's mother says, “His hand cannot open well, and I worry about how he will use it as he grows. I am praying he can get treatment and use his hand freely.”

28-year-old Simion lives with his wife and child in Kenya. Despite having to drop out of school due to finances, Simion now earns a living as a welder and a motorcycle mechanic, using skills he acquired through observation and practice. On January 31st, while at work, Simion was on a motorcycle carrying spare parts when a speeding vehicle lost control and ran over his leg. He sustained a large open wound on his right foot. He received immediate first aid at the scene, and was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, where the bleeding was controlled, and the wound was washed out. A plastic surgeon was consulted, and due to the extensive soft tissue defect, a free flap and skin graft were recommended to achieve proper wound coverage and limb salvage. This is not Simion's first road traffic accident. As the result of an accident that happened when he was younger, Simion lost function of his left eye. He is currently worried that he would not be able to afford the treatment that he needs. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Simion receive treatment. On February 3rd, he will undergo skin graft surgery at AIC Kapsowar Hospital to aid in the healing of his leg. While he tried diligently to raise the funds to cover the costs of his procedure, Simion needs your help to raise $1,183. Simion said: "I would be very grateful if you helped me get the surgery. Currently, I am in lots of pain and afraid when I see my leg. Please help me so that I can go back home, be able to go back to work, and take care of my young family."