Kyarisiima is a 36-year-old woman who is in need of surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. She is a farmer, and her husband is a primary school teacher. For over three months, Kyarisiima has been suffering from severe abdominal pain. Due to the pain, she is unable to do anything at home other than sleep. She finds it difficult to cook or help with the washing, something that greatly affects her quality of life. Fortunately, Kyarisiima came to the care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Her doctors were able to diagnose Kyarisiima with hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and recommended cystectomy treatment. She is at risk of the cyst rupturing or twisting, which can cause death or other complications, so they scheduled the surgery to occur as soon as possible, on June 8th. AMH is requesting $220 to help fund her care and procedure. Kyarisiima says, "I am in much pain, and I request your assistance with my surgery so that I can live well again like previously and help with farming."

U Tin is a 36-year-old man, living with his mother on the western coast of Burma. U Tin’s mother is retired and helps with household chores. U Tin works in a photo studio, printing photos and wedding invitations. Through this, his monthly income is just enough to pay for their basic living expenses. One year ago, U Tin started to experience pain in his lower left abdomen. Thinking that the pain would go away, U Tin relied on traditional medicine and pain medication. In February, the pain increased, but U Tin could not afford to seek treatment at a hospital. Instead, he purchased more pain medication from a pharmacy, which helped ease his discomfort somewhat. However in April, the pain became so severe that he could no longer work. He borrowed money from his friend, and went to a hospital. The doctor examined him, and diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia. When the doctor told him the surgery would cost 1,200,000 kyat (approx. $1,200 USD), U Tin told the doctor he could not afford to pay such a sum, and he returned home still feeling unwell. A few days later, U Tin told his neighbour about his problem, and she suggested that he seek treatment at Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH), where care is more affordable. He followed his neighbour’s advice, and went to MCLH, where the doctor confirmed his diagnosis and the need for surgery. When U Tin explained that he could not afford to pay for the surgery, the doctor referred him to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, for assistance in accessing the treatment he needs. Currently, U Tin is experiencing severe pain, and he cannot sit or stand for any length of time. Fortunately, he is now scheduled for surgery on May 24th, and Burma Children Medical Fund is requesting $807 to cover the cost of U Tin's hernia repair treatment. U Tin said: “I would like to recover. I am worried that I will not be able to work and take care of my mother. When I recover, I will go continue to work [at the shop] and pay back the money I borrowed from my friends.”

Arinanye is a 5-year-old preschooler from Uganda. He is the only son to his mother, and is currently under the care of his aunt. His mother sells charcoal, while his aunt is a primary school teacher. Three years ago, Arinanye was diagnosed with a left congenital inguinal scrotal hernia. His aunt shared that he is always in pain whenever he attempts to play with others, and sometimes wakes up at night crying due to the pain he feels. Fortunately, on April 1st, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Arinanye's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently, and improve his quality of life. Arinanye's aunt told us, “I hope that thanks to your support, Arinanye will be able to undergo his surgery and be healed of this condition, and will resume with school well when his baby classes are reopened.”

Khai is a 28-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia with a nine-year-old daughter. He likes to watch the news and boxing on the radio, and play games with his daughter. Khai was in a head-on collision and fractured his left elbow and forearm. He still experiences pain in his arm, and he is unable to work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 17th, Khai will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $465. Treatment will heal his current infection, and relieve him of his pain. He will be able to use his arm again and can return to work easily. "I hope that my arm will get better after my operation and I won't have any pain or infection and can work again," he said.

Yorn is a 69-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has four children, three grandchildren, and enjoys watching Khmer movies on television and visiting the Pagoda in her free time. Four months ago, Yorn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Yorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 9th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $211 procedure. "I hope that after my operation I will be able to see clearly and can take care of my grandchildren."

Evenson is a 14-month-old little boy from Haiti. He lives with his parents in Port-au-Prince. His mother stays at home to take care of him, and his father works to support their family. Evenson was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving several defects, including a hole between two of his heart's chambers and a muscular blockage in one of the heart's valves. As a result, not enough oxygen is delivered to his body, leaving Evenson feeling weak. On August 9, Evenson will be flown to our medical partner's care center, Health City Cayman Islands. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is asking for $1,343 to cover the cost of Evenson's transportation from Haiti to Cayman Islands where he will receive heart surgery. Eveson's family is looking forward to him being healthy!