“Thu is a 42-year-old Burmese woman who lives with her two daughters, ages 19 and nine,” our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), tells us. “Her elder daughter is recently married and her husband lives with the family. Her youngest daughter is a student in grade three. Thu also has two sons who have moved away to start their own families.” Thus has congenital circulatory malformations and heart defects. “Thu first experienced her symptoms, which include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure, two years ago,” BBP explains. “Prior to the onset of her symptoms, Thu and her oldest daughter worked together selling flowers in the market,” BBP continues. “Their combined income was sufficient for the family’s expenses, but Thu hasn’t been able to handle the physical activity of her work, so her daughter as assumed all work responsibilities.” Complex cardiac treatment and surgery for Thu costs $1,500 and will be performed in Thailand. Burma Children's Medical Fund, an organization that has a strong enough relationship with the relevant Thai authorities to facilitate the transportation to, and treatment of, Burmese people at Thai hospitals, is subsidizing the treatment with an additional $13,525. “Following successful treatment, Thu will be able to return to her family and recommence work so that she can contribute to the family finances,” BBP says. “If I can regain my health, our family situation will improve greatly,” shares Thu.

Meet 66-year-old Mahamud, a father of eight from Kenya. “In 2008, Mahamud’s neighbors were attacked by robbers while in their home,” reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Hearing their screams, people from the neighborhood rushed to their aid. Among them was Mahamud.” “As they drove out the thieves, Mahamud sustained severe cuts and an injury to his right arm. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was informed that his right hand was in need of surgery,” continues AMHF. “Mahamud didn’t have the money required to get surgery. He has been in and out of different hospitals, one in which he was mismanaged.” Mahamud’s injuries have resulted in severe pain and an inability to use his right hand, harming Mahamud’s ability to provide for his family. “He has a camel named George that he uses to give tourists rides on the beach for a fee. Before Mahamud got hurt, he had 15 camels,” explains AMHF. “His trips to the hospital have left him with only one camel. His sons help him with business because he cannot use his hand to work.” For $1410, Mahamud will receive an open reduction and internal fixation surgery that will realign his severe fracture, and place an internal fixation device on the bone. This cost covers the procedure, hospital stay, medication, follow-up lab work, imaging, and physiotherapy. “This treatment will enable him to get back to work to support his family,” says AMHF. Mahamud hopes to return to his daily life as soon as possible. “I can work! I love my business and I love my camel George,” he tells us. “Once my hand is healed, I shall go back to being active in my business. Maybe I shall be able to get more camels.”