Kyi is a quiet 26-year-old woman who lives near the Thai-Burma border. She was born with an encephalocele, a neural tube defect that results in a sac-like protrusion of brain fluid. Kyi tells her doctors that she mostly keeps to herself because she is embarrassed about her appearance. She says she hopes to have her protrusion removed so she doesn't feel shy about going out in public. Kyi left home several years ago because of a difficult, dangerous family situation, and has since supported herself by cleaning homes. Her salary is enough to cover her basic expenses, such as food and a place to live, but she cannot afford the medical treatment she needs. For $2,000, we can fund Kyi's encephalocele removal surgery and give her the confidence to lead a more full life. After surgery, Kyi plans to build a new life for herself in Thailand, where employment opportunities are better.

Beatrice is a 30-year-old business woman from Kenya who is expecting her third child. She is a devoted mother who makes a living selling tomatoes, onions, and fish at a local market, but has aspirations to expand her business to better provide for her family and pay her children's school fees. Because of lack of access to maternal services, many women in Beatrice's community must give birth at home, unattended by skilled clinicians. This puts both the health and life of the mother and baby at risk. Fortunately, access to a health facility with skilled clinicians can greatly reduce this risk. But despite Beatrice and her husband's hard work, they cannot afford access to this critical care. Beatrice says, "I pray for safe delivery in the hospital and also, God to guide me in being a caring, loving and a happy mother to my children." For $215, we can provide Beatrice with a safe delivery in a health facility. She will also receive maternal health education and a baby check-up before going home.