Mao is a 46-year-old mother from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal province with her husband and 13-year-old daughter. Her husband works as a security guard at a clothing factory, and her daughter is in the 6th grade. Mao looks after the household and does small jobs around the village to supplement the family income. In her free time, she likes going to the local market with her daughter and preparing new recipes. Mao was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture on her left forearm. She is unable to use her arm for every day tasks, and is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 20th, Mao will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help her forearm move easily again. Now, Mao needs help to fund this $483 procedure. Mao says, "I hope I can care for my family again. I want to be able to take care of my family's home, and not be in pain anymore."

May is a 59-year-old mother of four, living with her family in a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. While May and one of her daughters manage their household, her husband serves as a minister. Her two sons teach at a bible school within the camp. May began experiencing stomach pain and noticed an increase in the size of her abdomen. She has difficulty moving, sitting for long periods, walking, and sleeping. The doctors at our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, diagnosed May with a suspected malignant ovarian tumor. She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on March 6th at Mae Sot General Hospital. She is seeking $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. May said, “My condition means my children have to help me with my household and personal duties when my pain becomes too much. I want to go back to working with my husband in the church after my surgery if I am okay.”

Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"