Mary is a girl from Kenya. She is the only child in the family. In 2017, Mary sustained severe burns on her right hand and stomach. She developed a burn contracture on her hand, which limits her range of motion and use of her hand. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Mary receive treatment. On February 21, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her use her hand easily again. Now, she needs help to fund this $799 procedure. Her father says, “We are humbly requesting support. Any help will be highly appreciated.”

Ma Kyin is a 35-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and two daughters in May Pala village, Kyain Seikgyi township, Karen State. She and her husband provide for the family by farming rice fields near their home. For about three years, Ma Kyin has been experiencing discomfort and pain in her abdomen. She has been diagnosed with a uterine mass. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Ma Kyin's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Ma Kyin is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on January 29. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, she will be no longer be in pain and she will be able to help her husband with farming again. Ma Kyin said, “I was nervous about surgery at first, but I know that I must get the surgery for my children so I can continue working to provide for my daughters. I want them to attend school and complete their education."

Hay is a twelve-month-old boy from Thailand. He lives with his family in Nu Poe Refugee Camp, Umphang District, Tak Province. Hay Soe’s father works with the Karen Department of Heath Welfare in the border area outside of the camp as a health worker. Since he was three weeks old, Hay has had a hernia. His parents worry that his condition will get worse if he does not receive surgery. Fortunately, on January 8, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Hay's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 8 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. His mother says, “I want my son to get well and I want to help him go to school when he grows up. I want him to become a doctor and take care of sick people.”

Dieufnide is a student from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her sister, where she is obtaining a business degree at a university. Dieufnide has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral and aortic regurgitation. Two of the valves of her heart are damaged as a result of an infection she suffered a number of years ago. As a result, her heart cannot adequately circulate blood through her body, and she is in heart failure. Dieufnide will fly to United States to receive treatment. On November 21, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will replace her two damaged valves with artificial valves.. Another organization, the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $75,000 to pay for surgery. Dieufnide's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. 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 Dieufnide's family overseas. She says, "I am excited about surgery so that I can focus on my studies without worrying about my health."

Sirila is a young student from Tanzania. She is the fourth born in a family of seven children. She is currently in second grade. Her best subjects are mathematics, Swahili, and social studies. She wishes to be a doctor when she grows up. Both of Sirila’s parents are small-scale farmers of maize, beans, and vegetables. Sirila was diagnosed with genu varus. Her legs bow outward at the knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she cannot walk to school without pain and discomfort. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Sirila. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 11. Treatment will hopefully restore Sirila's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Sirila’s mother says, “Please help my daughter. Her condition keeps worsening every day. We don’t know what to do.”

Linn is an 11-month-old baby boy from Thailand. He lives with his parents and two uncles in Mae Sot, Tak Province. His family moved from Karen State, Burma to Thailand just a month ago for better job opportunities. Linn has been diagnosed with a scrotal hernia. Fortunately, on September 26, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Linn's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 26 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. His father says, "My plan for him is to keep him in school when he recovers. Then, I want him to either become a doctor, a teacher, or a boxer.”