Rose is a 25-year-old woman from Haiti. She lives with her older sister and her family in a small community in southwest Haiti. When Rose was a teenager, one of her heart valves was severely damaged due to an infection. This caused a condition known as rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation, where Rose's heart cannot adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. She had to pause her college education due to her condition but hopes to restart school when she is healthy. On July 24th, Rose will undergo cardiac surgery in the United States. During the procedure, surgeons will remove Rose's damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $20,000 to pay for Rose's surgery. Rose's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkup, and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Rose's family overseas. Rose shared with us: "I am so happy to be able to have this surgery so that I can start living more normally and thinking about my future!"

Nila is a 6-month-old twin baby from Kenya. Nila’s parents separated immediately after Nila and her twin sister were born. After the separation, her father does not support them in any way. They currently live with their grandmother, who sells fish for a living. To help provide for the family, Nila’s mother does casual jobs like working on her neighbors’ farms. She earns enough to pay her NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) but cannot raise the needed amount to fund Nila’s urgent surgery needs. Nila has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result, Nila has been experiencing fevers, vomiting, sunset eyes, and an increasing head circumference for the last month. Her mother has been working to get her specialized treatment since she was diagnosed with the condition. Once she was able to connect with our medical partner through a mobile clinic conducted in her hometown, Nila was referred to our medical partner’s main hospital, and urgent surgery was scheduled. Without treatment, Nila will experience severe physical and developmental delays. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 1st. During the procedure, surgeons will drain the excess fluid from Nila’s brain, thus reducing intracranial pressure and significantly improving her quality of life. With proper treatment, Nila will develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $685 to cover the surgery cost. Nila’s mother said, “It has been very hard for me to take care of Nila for the past month because of the negativity I receive from my family, friends, and the community at large.”

Dina is an 11 year-old fifth grader, living in a coastal province of Cambodia with his parents and two siblings. His father works as a rice farmer, and his mother recently got a job in a clothing factory. When he was a year old, Dina accidentally put his right hand into a pot of boiling rice. Since then, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin on his hand and fingers. As a result, it is difficult for him to perform daily activities, such as writing, and playing games with his friends. Dina and his family traveled for six hours to seek treatment. On September 6th, surgeons from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will perform burn contracture release surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will improve the function of Dina's hand. Now he needs your help to fund this $495 procedure. Dina said he hopes that his fingers can bend more easily, and that he will be able to do better in school.