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."

Seanghong is an 18-year-old student from Cambodia. He is an only child, who lives with his mother and aunt in Kampot. His father passed away one year ago. His aunt is a rice farmer, and he enjoys listening to music and watching volleyball in his free time. About six months ago, Seanghong was involved in a road traffic accident, which caused an open fracture of his left shinbone. After the accident, he underwent surgery to repair the fracture and was fitted with a surgical nail. His fracture has now healed well and he has full range of motion, but he sometimes experiences stiffness and discomfort in his left leg because the nail remains in place. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On September 8th, Seanghong will undergo a surgical hardware removal procedure. This will reduce the stiffness and discomfort in his leg, helping him move more comfortably and continue his studies and daily activities. Seanghong's family is contributing to his treatment, but need help to raise an additional $328 for the procedure. Seanghong said, “I hope removing the surgical nail will reduce the stiffness and discomfort in my leg so I can move more comfortably and continue my studies and daily activities.”

Eyob is a 10-year-old boy who lives with his parents and two younger sisters in Ethiopia. His father works with an electric company, while his mother is a home maker. For the past four years, Eyob has been experiencing severe tonsillitis which has caused extreme throat pain, loss of appetite, high fever, trouble swallowing, and breathing difficulties. This has affected his sleep and rest, and he often feels disappointed when he's unable to help his sisters with their homework or when they seek his assistance. When he was younger, his parents tried treating him with traditional remedies, hoping he would get better, but the condition persisted. Eyob was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Eyob, which is scheduled to take place on August 10th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Eyob of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. His parents say: "We hope that our son can go back to being a happy, energetic boy, so he can go to school without interruptions, and play with his sisters, like other children."