Samir is a nine-year-old second grader who lives in La Paz, Bolivia with his mother, who works part-time at a snack food factory. Samir particularly enjoys learning about science and nature. Samir was born with a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of passing through his heart completely, leaving him weak and short of breath. Samir needs surgical intervention to address this condition. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to fund the surgery that Samir needs. This procedure, during which doctors will close the hole in his heart with a patch, is scheduled to take place on March 8th, at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. After he has recovered, Samir should be able to grow into a strong and healthy young man. Samir's mother said: "I am very hopeful that my son's heart will be normal after the surgery so that I can stop worrying about him!"

Brian is a sweet 6-year-old from Kenya. He is the second born in his family of four children. Brian's parents separated last year, and he lives with his mother and grandmother for support. His mother practices farming. She shared that the family's income is limited and they do not have the needed insurance coverage for Brian's care. Brian was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Brian has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Brian will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). He is scheduled to undergo surgery on December 13th. AMHF is requesting $646 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Brian’s mother says: “I want Brian to grow up as other boys. I want to play my part as a parent for him to have a good future.”

Emmanuel is a six and half years old child from Ruaka in Kiambu County, Kenya. He is in the 1st grade and his mother says he loves going to school and playing with friends. He is the first born in a family of two children being raised by their single mother, who is separated from her husband. For the last two years, Emmanuel has been suffering from recurrent tonsillitis, difficult in swallowing, sleeping snoring and even has difficulty hearing. He has been taken to different hospitals but the tonsils reoccur. The mother brought him to Nazareth and after failed treatment the ENT Surgeon advised Adenotonsillectomy. If not treated, complications may occur like otitis media (middle ear infection), abscess and even rheumatic fever (heart complications). Emmanuel's family needs $565 to pay for the surgery. “I have not had peace for the last two years; visiting many hospitals but my child continues to suffer. I am requesting for help so that he and I can be back to our normal lives,” said Emmanuel’s mother.