Wayen is an 8-month-old baby from Haiti. He lives with his mother, grandmother, and two older siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. His mother works as a market vendor. Wayen has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, which means that a hole exists between two major blood vessels near his heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. The surgery he needs is not available in Haiti, so Wayen will travel to Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On September 13th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will insert a catheter into the hole and expand a device to plug it, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Gift of Life International is contributing $3,000 towards the cost of the surgery, and Wayen's family needs help with the remaining $1,500 to cover the cost of labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. This money will also support passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance who will accompany Wayen's family overseas. Wayen's mother shared, "I will be praying for everyone who is helping my son to become healthy."

Rathana, who is 15 years old, lives with his mother, two brothers, and one sister in Cambodia. At school, Rathana enjoys math and science, although his dream is to be a professional soccer player for the Cambodian national team. Rathana has nasal polyps in each nostril that cause bad odor, post-nasal drip, loss of smell, discharge, and pain. He doesn't sleep well because he has difficulty breathing and has missed several days of school because of his condition. He has been using medications to manage these symptoms, but they have been unsuccessful in improving his condition. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help Rathana. On April 26th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a bilateral polypectomy to alleviate Rathana's symptoms permanently. He needs your help to raise $388 to fund the surgery. Rathana said, “I hope I can feel better after surgery and play soccer with my friends.”

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."