Woodyson is a young student from Haiti. Woodyson lives with his mother and older siblings in central Haiti's rural, mountainous area. He is in the tenth grade and would like to become a teacher. Woodyson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Woodyson underwent surgery six years ago to replace his aortic valve and repair his mitral valve due to a rheumatic fever that severely damaged his heart. Although his repaired mitral valve served him well for six years, he now needs to have his mitral valve replaced with an artificial implant. The surgery he needs is not possible in Haiti, so Woodyson will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On July 7th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove Woodyson's damaged valve and implant an artificial mechanical valve. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital is contributing $20,000 to pay for his surgery. Woodyson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep, travel, and followup. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkups, and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Woodyson overseas. Woodyson shared: "I am excited to be able to have this surgery so that I can feel completely normal and healthy again."

Giovani is a one-year-old boy who lives with his parents and one older sibling. His mother works as a local roadside vendor, selling fruits, and his father, who is unemployed, is making dedicated efforts to secure a job to support his family. In addition to his job search, he has taken up poultry farming, involving the production and sale of chickens and eggs, so that he can contribute to the family's income. In April 2023, Giovani, while exploring alone in the kitchen, came upon a pot of hot soup. He immersed both of his arms in the pot, and sustained severe burns on his hands. His parents rushed him to the local hospital, where Giovani stayed for the next two months, while he received treatment for his wounds. Although he was eventually discharged after his wounds had healed, Giovani's hands had sustained significant skin damage. Despite facing financial constraints, Giovani’s father remained determined to find a solution for his child’s condition. While inquiring about a suitable location to receive treatment for his son, he encountered the parents of one of our former patients, who directed him to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare and the Plaster House. Following a thorough evaluation, the medical team diagnosed Giovani with burn scar contractures, affecting both of his hands. Four months later, Giovani was evaluated by a plastic surgeon, who devised a surgical treatment plan to address Giovani's inability to use his fingers to grasp objects - a result of the burn contractures. Giovani's parents are reaching out to you for assistance, to ensure that their son receives the appropriate medical care he requires. Fortunately, African Mission Healthcare is helping Giovani receive the care that he needs. On August 16th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery, to improve his hands’ functionality and appearance. Now, their family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Giovani’s father says: “I wish to see my son enjoying playing with his toys. We hope this treatment will be a big change from his current situation.”

Maung is a 62-year-old grandfather who lives with his family in a village in the conflict areas of Karen State, Burma. His wife is retired and his daughter is a mother to his three grandchildren who are in nursery school. Maung is a day laborer on a farm, and his son-in-law is a carpenter. However, their combined income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, and they have to borrow money to buy food. In his free time, Maung loves to play with his grandchildren. Two years ago, Maung started to notice pain around his lower abdomen on the right side of his body. He took medicine he received from a local healer. The medicine worked for a while and managed to feel better. However, a few weeks ago, while Maung was working on the farm, the pain came back. He went to the healer but this time his condition did not improve. Two days after the pain arrived, his lower abdomen started to swell. The area has increased in swelling and when he walks he experiences a burning pain. If he coughs or sneezes, the swollen area increases and causes more pain. Maung had decided against going to a clinic or hospital due to his family's financial situation. Fortunately, Maung arrived at the care center of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), where he will be able to receive treatment. The doctor quickly diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia and told him that he needs surgery as soon as possible and scheduled his procedure for June 7th. BCMF is requesting $828 to help fund this procedure to heal his condition. Maung said, "Thank you very much to all the donors and BCMF for helping me to receive treatment. I will not be able to have treatment without your support. My income is not even enough for my family and I always have to borrow money to meet the end of the month. If I have to get treatment by myself, the only way I will have to choose is to suffer as I cannot afford it."