Myint is a 52-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, three sons, one daughter, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren in a village in Tak Province, Thailand. His family is from Bago Division, Burma but when civil war broke out in their village, they fled to Thailand in 2022. His three sons and daughters are day laborers, while his two daughters-in-law look after their children. Myint started to notice a small mass in his lower jaw in 2019. It grew bigger and started to cause pain, discomfort, and sleepless nights. Because of frequent hospital visits, he had to stop working. Myint sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. He is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on February 13th. He is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Myint said, “I am stressed that I have borrowed money from my neighbor for my condition and I worry that I could not pay back it as I cannot work now. I already used up the money I borrowed so it is hard to borrow again. But when I know that there is an organization and donors will cover the surgery cost for me, I am happy that I will get better and get back to my previous job to be able to pay back my debt. Thank you so much for your help.”

Kanika is a thirteen-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives with her mother and younger brother in Pursat Province, near the border with Thailand. Kanika's mother sells groceries at home, and her father works at a factory in Korea to support the family. Kanika is currently in seventh grade and enjoys her geography class. She has shared that she wants to work in Korea like her father when she is older. At home, Kanika's favorite meal is fried fish with rice, and she likes doing her homework and helping take care of her younger brother. Kanika has been diagnosed with both Marfan syndrome and scoliosis, which are complex conditions leading to pronounced spinal deformities. These conditions affect her physical appearance, making her fingers and toes long and slender and causing a sunken chest. Marfan syndrome also impacts her heart function. Her scoliosis results in severe double curves in the thoracic and lumbar regions. These conditions make her feel uncomfortable at school, and in social situations, impacting her daily life. Kanika and her mother were referred by a public hospital in Phnom Penh to our medical center, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for spine treatment. On September 4th, specialized spinal surgeons will perform a fusion surgery to stabilize and correct Kanika’s severe spinal curvature. The surgeons will use implants and bone grafts to join the vertebrae together. Kanika’s mother can only afford $100 toward her daughter’s care and needs your help to raise the remaining $1,400 for the surgery, hospitalization, implants, post-operative medication, and physiotherapy. This procedure will help relieve Kanika’s discomfort, improve posture, and prevent future complications. Kanika's mother shared, "I hope that my daughter will be able to live comfortably and continue her schooling."

Reaksmey is a 10-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his three-year-old brother in Kandal province. His mother works in a clothing factory, while his father repairs motorbikes at the corner of the main street in their village. Reaksmey is currently in Grade 2, and his favorite subject is Mathematics. He wants to join the army when he grows up. At home, he likes to eat egg fried rice and he enjoys playing with his younger brother. Three years ago, Reaksmey developed an ear infection. The infection caused a cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. Consequently, Reaksmey started experiencing recurrent ear pain, poor hearing, and ear canal swelling. He finds it difficult to communicate with others, especially in class, and he is frequently absent from school due to the pain in his ear. Reaksmey traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 23rd, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear, where ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Reaksmey's family is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $826 more to fund the procedure. Reaksmey's mother says: "I hope that the surgery will improve his hearing, and we will not need to worry about it getting worse in the future."

Khoeun is a 32-year-old truck driver from Cambodia. He lives with his uncle in Phnom Penh, where he moved to last year to find more job opportunities. He has a wife and one-year-old daughter who live in Prey Veng province, about two hours from Phnom Penh. He currently works long days as a truck driver, and visits his family often. During his free time, enjoys listening to music and spending time with his daughter. About 20 years ago, Khoeun had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Khoeun has been experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, ear discharge, and frequent headaches. It has become increasingly difficult for him to communicate with people, including his employer, colleagues, and even when he is away on the road. Our partner Children's Surgical Center is helping Khoeun receive treatment. On June 17th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his right ear to remove the cholesteatoma. Khoeun is able to contribute $200 towards the procedure, and needs help raising $726 more to cover the full treatment, including medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Khoeun says: "I hope my hearing can be improved, so I can stop worrying about my ear and be able to do my job easily to support my family."

Rosemary is a mother of five children. She lives with her husband, their two youngest children, and 6 grandchildren. Rosemary enjoys chatting with her grandchildren and eating nsima, a porridge made from maize flour and served with local chicken and vegetables. Five years ago, Rosemary started experiencing swelling near her abdomen After visits to different hospitals and clinics, she was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia and was recommended to have surgery. Her symptoms worsened as she delayed treatment and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, a condition that occurs when part of the stomach protrudes up into the chest through the diaphragm because of the weakening of surrounding tissues. Rosemary could no longer walk long distances and was experiencing frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, heartburn, discomfort, and pain in her chest and abdomen. Rosemary can hardly do anything at home due to worsening pains during activities that add more pressure to the painful area. Rosemary was later taken to Partners in Hope Medical Center and doctors explained the need for a surgical intervention called Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, a surgery that treats Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). In GORD, acid from the stomach leaks up into the esophagus (gullet) due to the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter which leads to failure to close properly. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On May 7th, Rosemary will undergo surgery that will help relieve her of her symptoms and improve her quality of life. AMH is requesting $1,244 to fund this procedure. Rosemary said, “I can now smile again and look forward to a successful surgery, for me to be well again.”

Mariam is a newborn baby in a family of two. Mariam's parents are farmers who work diligently on their farm to provide food and sell surplus harvests for additional income. Miriam was born with clubfoot on both feet. Her feet are twisted inward and downward. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Mariam's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on April 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Mariam's clubfoot repair. After treatment, her mobility will improve, and she will be able to wear shoes properly. Mariam’s mother says, “Please help my daughter. I hope she gets treatment and grows up to enjoy a life free from disability.”

Donnalyn is a hardworking woman from the Philippines. She works as a factory worker and currently resides with her partner. Even though her partner is also working, their combined income is only enough for their household expenses. One year ago, Donnalyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including excruciating stomach pain and frequent acid reflux. She was diagnosed with gallstones and kidney stones. She could not afford the surgery and treatment at the local hospital. Donnalyn has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Donnalyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on March 9th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Donnalyn's surgery and care. Donalynn shared: "I have not availed of the free surgery yet but I am already very grateful to everyone who will help me. I will never be able to avail the needed surgery even if I borrow money from everyone I know, so I am truly grateful."

Saroth is a 42-year-old mechanic who lives in Kandal province with his wife and three children. His wife stays home to take care of the children - a 16-year-old daughter, an 11-year-old daughter, and a four-year-old son. All the children are active in the local school and keep their parents busy. When not taking care of his children, Saroth likes to play soccer with friends. In June 2022, while working on a roof, Saroth fell about three meters to the ground and fractured his left humerus in the middle of his upper arm. He visited a local hospital, where a metal plate was inserted to stabilize the bone. However, it is still hard for him to use his arm and he is unable to work so his family struggles financially. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 20th, Saroth will undergo a procedure to heal his arm, which will cost $304. This procedure will help him improve his range of motion to increase strength and completely heal. Saroth is hopeful he'll be able to find a better-paying job if he has full use of both arms. Saroth said: "After surgery, I hope I have no pain and can use my arm again to work hard to support my family."

Anghi is a three-year-old toddler from Bolivia. She resides in a mining city in Central Bolivia with her older brother and her parents, who are employed at a bakery. She has just started preschool and likes coloring and watching cartoons. Anghi has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. On April 25th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, Surgeons will use a patch to close the hole in her heart. Anghi's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Anghi's mother says: "I am hopeful that after this surgery, my daughter will be able to run and play without getting tired."

Bert is a 46-year-old woman from Karen State in Burma now living in Thailand with her husband and their daughter. She and her husband raise chickens for their family to eat. Her husband also does other additional daily work to sustain their family. Around four years ago, Bert started experiencing burning pain in her left side of her abdomen. However, when her symptoms began, she was unable to pay for a hospital visit. In March 2023 as her condition worsened, she began seeking treatment. She went to the local hospital and they referred her to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) for further examination. Bert has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of her gallbladder. If left untreated, Bert's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Bert is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on May 14th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Bert's procedure and care. Bert said, "After I recover, I will return home and help my husband on the farm and also weave traditional Karen shirts and bags in the future."

Aye is a 33-year-old mother from Burma. She lives with her husband, mother, son, and three nephews. Aye and her mother take care of the household, while her husband works as a taxi driver and her son and nephews attend school. Her family also manages a small piece of land where they grow rice and raise livestock for their consumption and to provide additional income. In her leisure time, Aye enjoys staying updated with the news and watching movies on her phone. Aye was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes, ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes, this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Aye is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on April 9th to correct the atrial septal defect and improve her quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Aye's procedure and care. Aye said, "After I have recovered, I want to support my son to finish his education. I enjoy the routine of bringing him to school and picking him up afterward. Additionally, I have a plan to open a grocery store at home. Cooking is a passion of mine, and I love discovering new recipes online and bringing them to life in my kitchen."

Hla Moe is a 30-year-old man who lives with his parents, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and son in a village in Karen State, Burma. His family owns a paddy farm where most of them work. They use a small area of the farm to plant vegetables for themselves. They also raise chickens, pigs, and goats that they sell. Hla Moe stays at home to look after his son, while his wife lives in Mae Sot, Thailand, and works as a medic. In his free time, he likes to watch the news. Many years ago, Hla Moe experienced pain in his back and the left side of his abdomen. The pain became more frequent and severe, prompting him to seek medical treatment. Hla Moe was seen to have multiple stones in his left kidney and is recommended to have surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. Hla Moe is scheduled for surgery to remove the kidney stones on March 15th. He needs help raising $1,500 for the surgery. Hla Moe said, “I am lucky that there are donors who will support my treatment. Without your support, I would never be able to get treatment. I am thankful for all the support you’ve given me.”