This holiday season, Operation International is raising money for two children in need. Please read below to hear their stories and how you can help.

Lydia

When Richard Kyeyune’s daughter was 1 year old, he traveled more than 100 miles from his  village in Manya, Uganda, to Rakai District’s main hospital. It was there that doctors told Richard his daughter, Lydia Nakaboobi, had a serious congenital heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus. The condition, which causes a hole between the heart’s two major arteries, could cause permanent lung damage, heart failure, heart infection, and other life-threatening problems if left untreated.

But Richard, though desperate to help his daughter, could not afford the procedure to repair Lydia’s defect.

“When I saw the bill, I could not manage the bill, so I had to go back home,” he said. “That was 2022.”

Richard has spent the last two years searching for organizations that might offer him help paying for Lydia’s much-needed surgery.

This holiday season, Operation International is hoping to answer Richard’s prayers. We are raising $2,000  to pay for heart surgery and other medical needs for Lydia. A donation of any size can help this 3 year old girl get the heart and the brighter future she deserves.

“I’m still here waiting,” Richard said. “I request any assistance to save the life of my daughter”

To Donate to Lydia's Heart Surgery Fund, Click Here

Nueline

Similar to Lydia, Nueline Namuwuluzi’s mother took her baby to the main hospital in Rakai District when she noticed the child was having trouble breathing.

Nueline, now 1 year old, was diagnosed with two serious heart conditions. Like Lydia, the first condition is patent ductus arteriosus, which causes a hole between the heart’s two major arteries. Nueline also suffers from ventricular septal defect, or VSD, that causes an opening between the heart’s two pumping chambers in her heart.

Both defects can be repaired with an operation. Operation International is raising $2,000 for Nueline’s procedures and medical costs. This giving season, your donation can gift a heart and new life for this young girl.

“They requested the money I can’t afford,” she said. “I’m requesting any help for my child.”

To Donate to Nueline's Heart Surgery Fund, Click Here.

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