Saw Kaw is a 38-year-old man from Burma. He is a soldier for the Karen National Union (KNU) and moves around frequently. In December 2016, Saw Kaw was helping people repair parts of the road around their village by clearing trees for road work. He was cutting a tree when it fell on his upper leg. He was admitted to a local clinic for treatment, but after two months, his leg did not feel any better. The clinic sent him for an X-ray, which showed a broken femur. He was referred to Watsi's medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), for evaluation and treatment. At the time of his interview with BCMF, Saw Kaw’s entire leg was swollen. He shared that he had been unable to walk since the injury occurred and was often in a lot of pain, especially at night. Saw Kaw needs help raising $1,500 to pay for an operation to repair his broken femur. During the operation, an orthopedic surgeon will insert a metal rod through the hollow center of the femur and secure it with screws. The rod will stabilize the broken bone until it is strong enough to support Saw Kaw's weight. Saw Kaw is scheduled to undergo surgery on February 17. Funding for Saw Kaw also covers the costs of seven nights in the hospital, lab tests, X-rays, physical therapy, surgical supplies, and crutches. "I really want to work for my community and the KNU, but I cannot do it right now," shares Saw Kaw. "I hope to recover fully so I can return to my village to work on the plantation with my family again."

Saro is a 25-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. She has three brothers and five sisters. She likes to listen to the radio, watch news, and do housework in her free time. When Saro was five years old, she developed an infection in her left ear. The infection perforated the tympanic membrane on her left side. Because of her ear condition, she experiences hearing loss, ear discharge, and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear). Saro has difficulty hearing at work, and she now worries that her ear condition will worsen. Saro learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), from her family member. She traveled for two hours by motorcycle with her sister to reach CSC for treatment. On March 27, Saro will undergo a myringoplasty surgery on her left ear to repair the perforated tympanic membrane. After recovery, Saro's hearing will improve. CSC is requesting $423 to fund this procedure.

Samantha is a sweet five-year-old girl from the Philippines. She is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom now attend school. Samantha is in the care of her mother and currently attends a day care center in their town. Since she was born, Samantha has had a cleft palate, a facial malformation that causes openings or splits in the roof of the mouth and lip. Her condition makes everyday living difficult, and Samantha has difficulty breathing and swallowing food. Her mother has stopped working in order to care for her daughter. Samantha is a playful child, but her condition makes her feel shy. Her family has tried to save money for treatment, but doing so has been difficult. Fortunately, our medical partner's community outreach team found and screened Samantha. She is now scheduled for a repair surgery on January 25. This procedure will allow Samantha to breathe and eat easily and will increase her confidence. Samantha's father works as a bus conductor. However, his income is barely enough to sustain them. For this reason, our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $1,088 to fund the treatment. "I am happy that at last Samantha could get treated," says Samantha's mother. "We are really close to her healing right now...Samantha is a sweet girl and has big dreams, but she cannot reach them if she does not have confidence. This operation will give Samantha hope for a good future. As a mother, my greatest desire is to see my children well and succeed someday. Thank you for this chance that you've given. May you be blessed."