Joel is a young student from Bolivia. He lives with his grandfather, who works in construction. Joel's mom works in Brazil in order to earn some money to send to the family. This year, Joel's grandfather noticed Joel looked very tired when walking, and his lips turned purple. Joel was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This involves a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Joel does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On September 2nd, Joel 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 normally. Joel'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. Joel's grandfather says, "Joel likes to go to school and have friends. I pray his surgery goes well so he can be healthy and return home."

Simeng is an eight-year-old Grade 4 student from Cambodia. She lives in Svay Rieng Province with her parents, who both work in garment factories, and a younger brother who attends kindergarten. Simeng enjoys studying Khmer, and dreams of becoming a nurse in future. In December 2025, Simeng was involved in a road traffic accident that caused a fracture on her left elbow. She underwent surgery at a hospital in Vietnam, where doctors stabilized the fracture with metal pins because her family lives near the Cambodia–Vietnam border. The fracture has healed well, and she has regained full movement and normal function of her left arm. She has returned to her daily activities, and the metal pins can now be safely removed as the final step in her treatment. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 13th, Simeng will undergo a surgical hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. The surgery will remove the metal pins from her left elbow, completing her recovery and allowing her to continue using her arm comfortably for school, play, and daily activities. Simeng's father said, “I am grateful my daughter’s arm has healed. I hope removing the implants will complete her recovery, so she can continue growing up healthy and active.”

Ricarson is a 45-year-old man from Haiti. He lives by himself in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; he has seven siblings. He works primarily as an electrician, but also as a freelance journalist. Ricarson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly as a result of an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Ricarson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 12th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to the cost of the surgery. But Ricarson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover laboratory tests, medications, 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 Ricarson's family overseas. Richardson says, "I am looking forward to having the strength and energy I need to live my life, and would like to say thank you to everyone!"