“48-year-old Than Nwet has lived in Burma for the last three years and works with her family as fishermen,” our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP) tells us. She has five daughters and two sons. “After Than Nwet’s third pregnancy, her uterus began to protrude from her vagina, but she did not seek medical help at that time,” BBP tells us. “After working very hard doing some heavy lifting, her uterus came completely out." Than Nwet's village clinic wasn't able to provide proper gynecological care for her. Her condition causes her to have constant pain, bleeding, and discomfort. "She is only able to perform household chores and cannot contribute to the household income." She finally decided to seek proper care once her condition began impeding on her ability to walk. Surgery and treatment for Than Nwet costs $1,500. “After surgery, Than Nwet should not have any more discomfort,” says BBP. “She should be able to go back and work and generate income for her family.” “I am desperately hoping for a successful surgery so that I can return to work and experience relief,” shares Than Nwet.

Meet 30-year-old Sarom from Cambodia. “Sarom is married without children and she works as a farmer,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “Sarom spends her time cleaning her house and taking care of her parents at home.” Sarom has a cholesteatoma in her right ear -- a non-cancerous skin cyst that has the potential to increase in size, and destroy the surrounding delicate bones of the ear. “When Sarom was two years old, she began have right ear discharge every day, and she never received treatment beyond occasional antibiotics,” reports CSC. “This causes her pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).” For $809, Sarom can receive a mastoidectomy to surgically remove cells in the spaces behind her ear, relieving her persistent pain and unpleasant symptoms. CSC continues, “After a mastoidectomy, Sarom will be able to regain her hearing ability, and the discharge will stop.” Sarom is eager to heal properly and return to daily life, and her husband remains hopeful that her pain will soon come to an end. She shares, “I hope the ear discharge will stop, and I’ll have good hearing.”

“Rasty Noel is a shy and timid boy, but he loves to play with his brothers and sisters,” shares our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Rasty Noel is a four-year-old boy from the Philippines. He was diagnosed with Hirschprung's disease, a congenital disorder of the abdomen caused by missing nerve cells in the colon which leads to a blockage in the lower intestine. "He had a colostomy before, and needs another treatment so that he can become better,” adds ICM. “His parents are trying their best to find other sources of income. However, they still can not afford treatment,” ICM continues. $965 will fund the surgery Rasty Noel needs to treat his condition. During the procedure, a doctor will use an endoscope to remove the blockage. The surgeon will then remove the tissue that is missing the nerves, and reconnect the healthy sections of the lower intestine. This approach is minimally invasive, and will allow Rasty Noel to regain his independence and be social at school again. “We are so thankful that you are here. This treatment will be our child's first step in becoming fully treated,” share Rasty Noel's parents.

Meet Nancy, a 21-month-old baby girl from Guatemala. Nancy lives with her parents and two brothers. “Nancy loves to play with her brothers, and they are the ones that care for her when their parents are working,” our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), tells us. “Her mother makes textiles to earn some money, while her father works as a day laborer on a farm near their house.” Nancy is suffering from acute malnutrition. Her weight and height are far below the average for her age, and she is at risk of long-term negative effects from malnutrition. “If left untreated, Nancy will start to miss developmental milestones,” says WK. “She currently has low energy, and her body is struggling to grow and develop normally. Her immune system is weak, and she is at risk for infections, such as pneumonia.” Nancy is also at risk of longer-term health issues if the condition is left untreated. “She will be at higher risk for chronic illness such as diabetes and hypertension,” says WK. “Even her children in the future may be affected, as malnutrition in childhood is linked to higher rates of complicated pregnancy and having children whom also suffer from malnutrition.” With $535 in funding, Nancy will receive supplemental nutrition to remedy her condition. Her mother will also receive nutritional education to help her care for Nancy in the future. “This education will have long lasting effects, giving Nancy’s mother the tools she needs to continue providing nutrition to Nancy and her other siblings even after treatment is complete,” says WK. “This intervention will prevent Nancy for suffering from the long term effects of malnutrition. Her immune system will strengthen allowing her to better combat infections and illness throughout her life.” “I want her to grow up and become a great professional, who perhaps works in our municipality,” shares Nancy’s mother. With your help, Nancy will have the support she needs to recover her strength and continue growing with her family.