Phors is a 35-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. Phors is married and lives with her husband, who works in a factory, and their two children, one in Grade 6 and the other in kindergarten. She enjoys listening to music and spending time caring for her children. Three months ago, Phors had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Phors experiences pain, ringing in her right ear, reduced hearing, and ear discharge. An examination found a perforation in her right eardrum, and she was diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Her ear problems make it difficult for Phors to hear clearly and communicate comfortably with others. As a rice farmer and mother, she hopes to improve her hearing so she can manage her farming work and care for her children more comfortably. On October 27th, with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), Phors will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. She can contribute $100, but needs help raising $263 more to fund her procedure and care. Phors said, “I hope the surgery will help me hear better and reduce the problems with my right ear. I want to communicate more easily with others and continue my farming work comfortably. I’m looking forward to feeling better and returning to my daily activities without so much worry about my ear.”

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."

Ximena is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is a loving, caring, cheerful, and respectful girl who is dedicated to her studies and loves spending time with family and friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher because she likes helping others succeed in their studies. Ximena has had an epigastric hernia, or a protrusion of tissue in her upper abdominal area, for many years. This condition causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially during physical exertion, which limits daily activities and has affected her quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. On July 28th, Ximena will undergo hernia repair surgery, and she and her family are asking for help to raise $1,005 to fund Ximena's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Ximena's parents shared, "Thank you so very much for your generous help and for donating these funds for my daughter’s surgery. Your support means so much to us and gives us hope at this very important time. We will always be deeply grateful for your solidarity."