Thu is a 27-year-old man who lives in Dala Town, Yangon Division, Burma. He lives with his 25-year-old wife, who take care of their five-year-old daughter who goes to kindergarten. Thu works as a security guard in a tower in Yangon. His total income is just enough to cover all their general expenses, such as food and clothing, as well as pay for his daughter’s school fees. Five years ago, Thu started to experience chest pains while he ate lunch. He continued to suffer from chest pains but he worked through the pain until June 1, 2019, when he suddenly developed severe back pain. He was brought to Yangon General Hospital (YGH) and was admitted for 13 days. While he was admitted, he received a blood test, chest X-ray and an injection to help alleviate the pain. When doctor listened to his chest with a stethoscope, Thu was advised to receive an echocardiogram (echo). After he received the echo on June 16th, the result showed that he has aortic regurgitation, a heart condition caused by problems with the aortic valve. Currently, Thu is suffering from chest pains. He has had to temporarily stop working. Thu is looking forward to receiving surgery soon and getting back to work so that he can continue to support his family.

Guivens is a student from Haiti. He lives with his parents and older sister in a small town on the western coast of Haiti. His father is a fisherman and his mother is a vendor in the local market. Guivens has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves in his heart was severely damaged due to a fever he suffered earlier in childhood, and cannot adequately pump blood through his body. Guivens will fly to Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On September 2, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair his damaged valve; if this is not possible, they will implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Mitral Foundation, is contributing $6,000 to pay for surgery. Guivens'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 Guivens's family overseas. His mother says, "I am very thankful that God is answering our family's prayers and allowing our son to have surgery!"

Zaw is 15-year-old boy from Thailand. He lives with his mother, grandmother, twin sisters, and two older brothers. Last year he dropped out of school to help his mother run a food stall. In May, Zaw was playing tag with his friend. He climbed a tree but slipped and fell, breaking his left femur. Zaw is in a lot of pain. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Zaw will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for May 31 and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help him to walk again in the future.

Remedan is a baby from Ethiopia. He loves to play and laugh with people. He loves food. Remedan was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Remedan is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on May 14. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Remedan's procedure and care. After his recovery, Remedan will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future.

Dominick is a toddler from Tanzania. He is the first of two children. Dominick was born a healthy baby but he soon developed a left inguinal hernia. His condition is worsening as he is growing up. Fortunately, on April 11, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $539 to fund Dominick's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Dominick’s mother says, “Please help my son get this treatment, so that he may be well.”

Srey Nuon is a teenager from Cambodia. Her favorite subjects to study in school are chemistry and math, and one day she hopes to become a chemistry teacher. Srey Nuon was born with scoliosis, which is progressing with age, making it difficult to sit in school for long periods, and causing a lot of discomfort. Surgery can help correct the position of her spine, and prevent further worsening of the condition. Fortunately, spinal surgery has been scheduled for March 11. Our medical partner needs help raising $1,500 to fund this procedure. Srey Nuon says, "I hope that after my surgery I will no longer have any pain and I will be able to take care of myself and sleep better."

Benson is a laborer from Kenya. He is married and has a young child. In January of this year, Benson was in a motorcycle accident. His right leg was broken twice. He is not able to move or walk and is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 12, Benson will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk again and provide for his family. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,451 to fund this procedure. Benson says, “I am worried I may lose my leg if I am not treated and that means I cannot take care of my young family.”

Buuna is a government worker from Cambodia. She has two sons and six grandchildren. Two years ago, Buuna developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision and headaches. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Buuna learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On January 8, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $398 procedure. Her son says, "I worry about my mom's vision failing and that she won't be able to meditate."

Davidson is a preschooler from Haiti. He lives with his parents and older brother in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. He will start preschool once he recovers from surgery. Davidson has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several related defects, including a hole between two chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. On October 10, he will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner's care center. During surgery, surgeons will close the hole with a patch and remove the muscular blockage. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery. Davidson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications. His mother says, "I will be very relieved for this surgery to be over because I have been very worried about my son's health."