When I was just 7 years old, I chose Gloria's donor card off a table of children's photos, as if I were drawn to her. Maybe it was because she was a 7-year-old girl as well! At the time, I didn't know we would support her all through her education and livelihood, but our family did. When she became a young adult, my mother went to see Gloria and meet her in Uganda. Since then, we have kept in touch. Gloria is now a mom of four: two sons and two daughters, just like me. Even in another country and on different continents, we have a lot in common.

Now, Gloria's youngest daughter, Nyangoma Ariana, is facing a life-threatening challenge. At just five years old, Nyangoma needs heart surgery at the national hospital in Uganda. She has been sick for a long time, and surgery is the only way to help her. Gloria has worked hard to provide for her children and has managed to save enough for transportation and recovery, but the cost of the surgery itself is out of reach. Her boys, ages 13 and 10, and her twin daughters all depend on her strength and love.

As I reflect on Gloria's situation, I cannot imagine having a financial barrier standing between me and my daughter's life. It would be so heartbreaking. When Nyangoma was getting sick all the time, they went to many clinics and hospitals, but no one could tell them what was wrong. Eventually, she was referred to a regional hospital, where they identified the problem but couldn't manage the surgery. That's when she was sent to the national hospital, and they knew surgery had to be performed.

I am asking for your help to give Nyangoma a chance to grow up healthy and strong. Your support will go directly to her surgery at the national hospital. Please join me in making sure that Gloria and her family do not have to face this challenge alone. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings hope and healing to Nyangoma and her family.