Ly is a one-year-old girl from Cambodia. Ly's father is a farmer and her mother stays home to care for Ly and her two older siblings. Ly enjoys eating noodle soup, and likes to play with toys. Ly was born with polydactyly of both feet. This means that she has an extra toe on each foot. If the extra toes are not removed, it will become difficult for her to use her feet as she grows older and she could feel uncomfortable around others. Fortunately, on April 22nd, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra toe. Ly's family is able to contribute $100 but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs an additional $199 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to walk easier and her parents will not worry about other children making fun of her feet. Ly’s mother shared, "I hope she will be able to have normal feet just like other kids when she grows up."

Lucia is a baby from southern Bolivia. Her mother stays home with her, and her father is a delivery driver. Lucia was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. A major blood vessel leading to the heart is too small, which leaves Lucia weak and unable to properly grow. Additionally, she has turner syndrome. Lucia needs surgery to open the aorta to its full size. This will allow blood to flow more easily so she can grow up healthy. Lucia's mother states: "Our family is so happy to know that our daughter can finally have this surgery; we have been hoping for this opportunity since she was born."

Mercy is a determined young lady, a sixth born in a family of nine children. Her father is a small scale farmer and her mother a homemaker. She goes to secondary school in Meru County, but is currently behind on her studies due to delays caused by a condition impacting both legs. Mercy was born with a condition known as bilateral genu varum (sometimes referred to as bowlegs), which causes her legs to curve outward at the knees. The condition has greatly affected her mobility. She finds it difficult to walk long distances, she gets tired quickly, and is unable to fully engage in activities with friends. Her self-esteem has been dramatically impacted by constant teasing from her peers, who find her way of walking different. Fortunately, Mercy is scheduled to undergo a surgery called bilateral Proximal Tibial Osteotomy (PTO) at our medical partner's care center AIC CURE International Hospital. The treatment will heal her legs, allow her to walk easily and support her to engage better both in school and with friends. Mercy hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon in order to help other children in the future. “I am looking forward to see my legs being corrected, to live more actively and continue with my education. God bless you for the support,” Mercy told us.