Thiago is a three-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his parents, who both work in agriculture, and his two older siblings. Thiago's story of being diagnosed with a heart problem is unique. He accompanied his parents in a protest march against a law that threatened their community, walking for 28 days from the Bolivian Amazon to the city of La Paz. When they finally arrived, the high altitude of the city affected Thiago's breathing, causing the family to seek medical care. Doctors then discovered that Thiago has Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving 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, Thiago does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 26th, 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 normally. Thiago'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. Thiago's father shares, "We are so happy that our son's surgery has been scheduled for this week, and we hope for the best."

Dina is an 18-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is the second of four siblings. His older brother is a construction worker, his sister works in a garment factory, and his youngest brother is just three years old. In his free time, he helps his family with farming work in the fields. Dina was born with a unilateral incomplete cleft lip and cleft palate. He underwent surgery for his cleft lip and palate, but there is still a gap in his gums that affects his eating, speaking, and the symmetry of his face. Dina needs surgery to close the gap. Fortunately, Dina visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for further treatment. There, surgeons will perform an alveolar bone graft procedure on June 19th. This procedure will help close the gap and support proper eruption of the permanent teeth in the upper jaw. This will improve his ability to chew food more effectively, enhance speech clarity, and support better dental alignment. It will also improve facial appearance and help boost his self-confidence in social interactions and daily life. His family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $615 more to fund his procedure and care. Dina said, “I hope that with treatment, I will be able to improve my teeth and bite properly, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence without feeling shy about my appearance.”

Sophon is a 60-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a weaver from Kandal province. She is a widow with no children; her husband passed away about 15 years ago in a car accident. She currently lives with her youngest sister, who is also a weaver. In her free time, Sophon enjoys listening to the radio and hearing monks pray. About two years ago, Sophon 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. Sophon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On April 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sophon can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 to fund her procedure and care. Sophon said, "I hope that after my eye surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see clearly, recognize things more easily, and continue my weaving work well. I also hope to travel farther without difficulty and no longer worry about my eyesight."