Annizabelle is an 11-year-old fifth-grader who lives with her parents and three siblings in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Her father is a mechanic, and her mother is a vendor. Anizabelle has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the valves in her heart is severely damaged due to an infection she suffered earlier in her childhood. As a result, her heart is unable to adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. Fortunately, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), is helping Annizabelle receive treatment. Annizabelle and her family will fly to the Dominican Republic, where she will undergo cardiac surgery at Hospital CEDIMAT on August 8th. During the surgery, doctors will attempt to repair her existing valve. If they cannot repair the valve, they will remove it, and implant an artificial replacement. HCA is contributing $9,000 to pay for the surgery. Now Annizabelle and her family need help to cover the $1,500 for the pre-surgical prep, lab tests, medicines and post operative follow up visits. In addition, this sum will pay for the passports for the social workers who will accompany the family overseas. Annizabelle's mother said: "Our family is praying that this surgery will be a success so that our daughter can get back to focusing on school and the rest of her life."

Trish is a baby from Kenya. She is the second born in a family of two children. Her mother began working early this year as a teacher and earns very little. Her father was recently employed as a cattle herder. The family does not have medical insurance or the ability to pay for the surgery Trish needs. Trish was born a very healthy baby. She went through all expected developmental milestones until she was seven months old when her parents began noticing some changes in her. Trish has now been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result, Trish's head is increasing in circumference, and she is suffering with convulsions. Without treatment, Trish will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Trish was examined at a hospital near their home and referred to BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital for treatment. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help ensure Trish gets the treatment she needs. AMH is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 18 and will drain the excess fluid from Trish's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Trish will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Trish’s mother says, “It is very painful to see Trish not growing up like other children.”

Sam Art is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer from Kandal province, Cambodia. She lives near her younger sister, who helps support Sam Art by working in a nearby rice field. They spend much of their time together and enjoy volunteering at the pagoda in their village. About four years ago, Sam Art developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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. When Sam Art learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled two hours seeking treatment. On August 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sam Art is able to contribute $50 to the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to raise the remaining $253 to fully fund the procedure. She shared, "After surgery I want to plant some vegetable to sell in my village and help support myself and my sister."