Telake is an adorable 4-year-old girl who loves to play with her friends. She loves to color, write, and play with her baby sister. Telake's mother stays at home while her father is a tuk-tuk driver. A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled mother vehicle used as a taxi. At times when he doesn’t get a job, he does casual labor work. Telake's mother noticed swelling on the left side of her child’s stomach. Doctors at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), diagnosed her with inguinal hernia, a birth condition where there is a weakness in the abdominal wall. In infants and children, inguinal hernias are operated on to prevent other complications. Symptoms may include pain, a burning sensation, swelling, and discomfort. Fortunately, on March 19th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, BKMCM. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $487 to fund Telake's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Her mom said, “I hope she will heal after the surgery. My daughter wants to buy me a house when she grows up. I wish she grows up independent and educated."

Loise is the third born in a family of eight children. She's in the 5th grade and is passionate about reading. She aspires to become a doctor. Her mother is a homemaker and her father is a teacher. Loise’s clubfoot was diagnosed shortly after birth. Her left foot was turned inward and downward. Due to the lack of hospital services in their region, Loise has had to live with this condition which affects her mobility. Loise’s medical journey began with a visit to a mobile clinic where she was seen by an orthopaedic specialist. The doctor recommended that she start with serial casting, a gentle and effective treatment for clubfoot purposed to soften the tissues and realign her bones before surgery. She is presently in the hospital undergoing serial casting and needs to undergo a surgical procedure that will make it possible for her to wear shoes, walk upright, improve her self-esteem, and continue her education. Her surgery is scheduled for February 28th and her family is raising $1,224 to cover the cost of care. Loise said: “I am looking forward to walk upright without pain and continue with my education.”

Mu is a 62-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her family in a village in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. She works as a day laborer and housekeeper. She also collects and sells recyclable materials for additional income to support her daily needs. In September 2023, Mu accidentally fell down the stairs and fractured her hip, making it difficult for her to walk and move her legs. She is in constant pain, affecting her ability to sleep and perform her daily tasks. Fortunately, Mu learned about our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). At BCMF's care center, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Mu of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for March 1st and Mu needs help raising $1,500 to pay for this procedure. “I felt sad and depressed when I realized I needed surgery because I couldn’t afford to pay for it,” said Mu. “I am also concerned about my ability to take care of myself. I was thrilled and felt grateful to all the donors and BCMF when I learned they would help pay for my treatment. I want to take care of myself without anyone’s help. I don’t want to put anyone under unnecessary pressure. Along with that, I want to walk like I used to again.”