Nora is an eleven-month-old baby who likes to smile and play with toys and dolls. She is the first child in her family. Nora was born with syndactyly of both hands. This means that her ring fingers are fused together, making it difficult for her to grasp or hold items. Fortunately, on September 8th, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release her fused digits. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $444 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Nora will be able to use her hands fully as she grows up. Nora's mother hopes the surgery will allow her to grow up without discomfort and do everything she wants to do in life.

Ko Ko is a three-year-old boy who lives with his parents and his siblings. His father and oldest brother are agricultural day labourers while his mother looks after him. Ko Ko enjoys playing with his toys and playing football with his brothers. He also enjoys watching movies on his mother's phone. When Ko Ko was one year old, his mother noticed a small white spot on his right pupil. She did not know what had caused the spot, but did not think it was serious. In December, Ko Ko’s mother asked him to give her a cup of water, but when he stood up he called out that he could not see where the water was, while trying to feel his way with his hands. Currently, Ko Ko is only able to recognize light. He needs his mother to guide him, and help him with tasks such as eating and showering Doctors want Ko Ko to undergo a CT scan. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $414 to cover the cost of Ko Ko's CT scan and care, scheduled for February 3rd. Ko Ko's mother said: "As a mother, I worry about him and I want to give him everything so that his vision can return, but I do not have money to pay for his treatment. Thank you so much for your kindness and for helping my son. May the goodness you have shown us return to you and may you be successful.”

Twel Tar is a two-year-old girl who lives with her parents in northern Thailand. Their family is originally from across the border in Burma, but moved to Thailand for a better job opportunities. Her parents are both factory workers. Twel Tar was recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which has caused fluid to build up in her brain. Without immediate surgery to alleviate the intracranial pressure that the excess fluid is causing, she is at risk of developing severe, potentially fatal medical complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for Twel Tar, which will drain the fluid that has accumulated in her brain. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 30th, and, once completed, will greatly improve Twel Tar's quality of life. “When my daughter recovers from surgery, I want to send her to school like other children. I want her to become an educated woman,” shared Twel Tar’s mother as she hoped for a better future for her daughter.

Meet Tame, a 53-year-old from Nepal. Tame has five children. His eldest son is 15 years old and helps him work on the farm. His farm’s produce feeds the family for three months' time. For the rest of the year, he works on other farms to earn money. Tame is also struggling with a hernia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He has had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for the last 12 years, but it has worsened the last few months. When he coughs, it worsens the strain his hernia is placing on his groin area. If not treated, the hernia can "strangulate" and become life-threatening. For $1,075, a hernia operation can be performed that will prevent hernia strangulation and relieve Tame's discomfort so he can better manage his COPD and live a healthy life. Let's get it done!

Nanda is a trooper. This 60-year-old woman from Nepal is battling an exacerbated case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She's experiencing shortness of breath, increased sputum production, and a cough. With immediate treatment, it's likely she can overcome these symptoms and manage her condition. Nanda lives with her husband, children, and five grandchildren (the lights of her life) in Far-Western Nepal. She works as a farmer and a shopkeeper with her husband. They earn barely enough money to support the family and enable the kids to attend school, and don't have the extra income to support her medical treatment. For just $220, we can help Nanda receive the help she needs to manage her COPD. Let's help Nanda recover so she can enjoy watching her grandchildren grow up!