Nay Myo is a nine-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents and has one older brother. Nay Myo's parents work as day laborers. They cut grasses, plant vegetation, and collect bamboo shoots. When Nay Myo was three months old, he fell very sick. He was subsequently diagnosed with thalassemia, a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal oxygen-carrying protein. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, anemia, and trouble breathing. In order to treat these symptoms, Nay Myo has to receive oral medications and blood transfusions on a regular basis. Thalassemia has also caused Nay Myo's spleen to enlarge. After examination, his doctors decided to remove the spleen before other medical complications arise. On January 18, Nay Myo will undergo a splenectomy. Our medical partner is asking for $1,500 to fund the surgery. Nay Myo's mother is inspired by the caring hospital staff. She says, "I want Nay Myo to be an educated person and work like the staff."

“Miriam loves to play with her rattle and her sister Maria, while their mother embroiders blouses to sell and works in the fields,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Their father is a farmer, and works long hours on a property next to their town.” Miriam is eight months old, and lives with her family in Guatemala. Miriam, her six siblings, and her parents are closely knit. Her parents don't have much income, but they work together to best support their family. Despite these efforts, Miriam displays signs of malnutrition. She has not hit major developmental milestones and is far below the average weight and height for her age. "If her nutrition does not improve, she will be at risk of the long term effects of malnutrition, and her physical and mental development will be stunted," WK continues, "which will prevent her from reaching her full potential." For $512, Miriam can get the treatment she needs. She will be seen by doctors and nutritionists, and receive macronutrients, food supplements, and medication. Doctors will provide growth monitoring to ensure that the intervention is having a positive impact. Her mother will also receive nutritional education to help improve her confidence and ability to make healthy choices for her family. This will help her support Miriam and her siblings in the long-term. After treatment, “she will start to recoup the height and weight she has lost and her immune system will improve,” WK shares. Along with short term improvements, WK is optimistic that Miriam will fight off major risks for chronic disease in adulthood. “We are so grateful for your support and for what we will learn from this,” shares her mother. “I have many children, and I just want what is best for them.”