Jayson is 41 years old and a single father of three from the Philippines. He and his children live with his elderly parents, whom he looks after, too. He works as a food delivery rider and a courier for packages. He enjoys fish-keeping as a hobby and hopes to return to jogging and playing basketball once his condition is treated. For 23 years, Jayson has been living with an inguinal hernia. This causes persistent swelling and pain. The pain and restricted mobility have further impaired his capacity to work efficiently as a delivery rider, a job that requires prolonged sitting, lifting, and continuous movement. Fortunately, on January 9th, Jayson will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Jayson's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jayson said, "This surgery will be a big help not only for me but also for my family. I could go back to work and live normally again without pain or fear that I cannot provide for my children."

Ada is a young student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a school custodian, and her teenage sister. Ada loves to sing; she is very friendly and has a strong personality. In 2022, Ada was diagnosed with a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On December 10th, Ada will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ada's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical fees, follow-up care, and medications. Ada's mother says, "My daughter is in God's hands; I pray He can heal her through these wonderful doctors."

Toe is a retired 68-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, two sons, his daughter-in-law, and his grandson in the refugee camp in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. One of Toe's sons is enrolled in school, and his daughter-in-law works as a nutritionist in a hospital in the camp. The family also receives monthly cash support from a charity at the camp. In 2022, Toe began suffering from burning and aching pain caused by an irreducible inguinal hernia. His hernia has grown larger and become increasingly painful. Now, Toe needs surgery to live more comfortably and regain his quality of life. Fortunately, on November 10th, Toe will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sariang Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,468 to fund the procedure. Toe shared, “I would like my discomfort to disappear. I cannot do whatever I want to do, and I cannot walk properly.”

Myo is a 51-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, four children, and father-in-law in a refugee camp in Thailand. His wife is a homemaker, his father-in-law, who is retired, and his children. Myo is a teacher in the refugee camp. For the past five years, Myo has had a right inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him pain, a burning sensation, and aching in his right groin. Due to the pain and discomfort he experiences, he cannot focus when he teaches. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1468 to fund Myo's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 9th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Myo said, “I would like my discomfort to disappear, and I would like to be able to work properly. I am hoping that my condition will be resolved after surgery.”

Htet is a 17-month-old baby boy from Burma. He lives with his mother and father in Karen State where his father is a taxi driver while his mother is a home maker. His parent's combined income is often not enough to cover their daily expenses, so sometimes they borrow money from their relatives. Htet underwent a colostomy, a procedure that creates an opening in the colon that lets stools pass from the body without going through the regular way. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but is usually temporary and may need a reversal. In Htet's case, his colostomy requires reversal in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of a reverse colostomy for Htet. The surgery is scheduled to take place on September 9th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Htet’s mother said, “Your help means a lot to our family. We have been struggling to afford food, and it is hard to save any money. Fewer people are coming to Myawaddy now, so my husband has fewer taxi customers, which means we earn less income. If there are words that mean more than thank you, I would tell them many times.”

Meet Aman, a playful 6-year-old boy from Ethiopia who is one of four children in his family -- with two sisters and one brother. For three years, Aman has been experiencing worrisome symptoms such as snoring, restless sleep, and a burning fever. His condition has greatly impacted him and his family, as his mother has cradled him through many feverish nights, watching as the infections have weakened him and the medical bills have depleted their savings. Aman dreams of school, but swollen tonsils steal his sleep, appetite, and joy, leaving him in constant pain. His mother dreams of finding treatment for Aman so that her son can laugh, learn, and live free from pain. Aman was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital (SWGH), can help. On July 9th, Aman will undergo a tonsillectomy, during which surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Aman of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. SWGH is requesting $700 to fund this procedure. With grateful hope in her voice, Aman's mother said, "I pray for the day my child finds pure happiness, joyful and free from pain. Then I can finally return to work and truly support my family."

Hely is a six-year-old girl who lives in Cáceres, Antioquia, Colombia. She and her sister live with and are raised by their single mother. She is currently in the first grade and attends a school near her house. In her free afternoons, she likes to practice riding her bike. She also plays with her friends who live nearby and watches cartoons on television. Three years ago, Hely started to experience swelling, pain, and discomfort around her belly button. She was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia which causes pain and discomfort when performing any physical activity or any daily activity. She is also conscious of the swelling, affecting her interest in playing with other children. Fortunately, on April 4th, Hely will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, Clinica Noel. Hely needs your help to raise $786 to fund her procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Hely's mother shared, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support you are providing for my daughter's surgery for her umbilical hernia. I am convinced that this operation will be of great help to her health and well-being. I hope that after the surgical treatment, she will be able to fully enjoy her childhood without the discomfort she has been experiencing."

Puthireak is a five-year-old boy and a first-grader from Cambodia. He is the middle child in his family. His father works as an air conditioning technician, while his mother stays at home to care for the family. Puthireak dreams of becoming an air conditioning technician, just like his father when he grows up. At home, he loves eating chicken burgers and enjoys playing with his friends in the village. A year ago, Puthireak fell from his bed onto the cement floor and fractured his right arm. He was treated at a hospital in Phnom Penh, where doctors applied a cast. However, he still experiences pain and weakness in his right arm, so he relies on his left hand for writing and eating. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 13th, Puthireak will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will help him use his arm and hand easily again. Puthireak's father shared, "I hope he can use his right arm again and be more comfortable at school."