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!"

Kimleang is an 11-year-old student. She looks up to her older sister who is 15 years old and is in 9th grade. She enjoys learning English at school and her favorite subject is Khmer literature. At home, after she has done her homework, she likes to watch TV, listen to music, and eat ice cream. Eight years ago, when Kimleang was only three, she was in a motor vehicle accident and fractured her right tibia. Her parents took her to a Khmer traditional healer, where she received a bamboo splint and medication. Unfortunately, her leg became infected, so her parents took her to a local hospital for debridement and a cast. Although her infection resolved, her ankle and toe have become deformed over the past several years due to her previous fracture. It is difficult for her to walk, and she struggles to match the pace of her friends, who enjoy running and playing. When Kimleang's family learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled over 4 hours seeking treatment. Surgeons at CSC have determined that she needs a tendon procedure on the upper surface of her foot, where extensor muscles are located. An external frame will be placed to stabilize the incision and assist in healing. Kimleang's parents are able to contribute $100 to the cost of the procedure and need help with the full cost to fund the procedure that which is scheduled for August 11th. This will cover the surgery, hospitalization, medications, and rehabilitation. After surgery, Kimleang should be able to walk normally and no longer be in pain. Kimleang shared, "After surgery I hope that my leg will be straight and I won’t have pain when walking."

Savoeun is a 60-year-old grandfather from Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. He is married and has one son, two daughters, and three grandchildren. He retired from the military and is now a rice farmer with his wife and son. He enjoys listening to the news on the radio or visiting the local pagoda in their small rural village. About two years ago, Savoeun developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He feels that he has lost much of his independence due to his limited vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Savoeun learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for 4.5 hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery (cataract surgery that employs ultrasound energy), and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Savoeun is able to contribute $60 to the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to raise the remaining $253 to fully fund the procedure. He said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see clearly again. I can go to the rice field with my wife and be useful to my family."