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.

Muntha is an 80-year-old mother of four from Cambodia. She has fifteen grandchildren, and enjoys listening to the radio, watching Khmer movies on television, and looking after her grandchildren. One year ago, Muntha developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Muntha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. On August 7, doctors will perform a small incision cataract 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. She says, "I hope that my surgery will allow me to see again and be able to take care of my grandchildren."

John is a young man from Kenya. In June, he was hit by a motorbike and sustained injuries on his right leg. He is in chronic pain and cannot walk on his own. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On July 2, John will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $998 to fund this procedure.

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.

Soksomaly is a 19-year-old college student from Cambodia. She is a hotel and tourism student and hopes to become a translator in the future. Five years ago, Soksomaly had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Soksomaly experiences headaches, hearing loss, discharge, and itchiness. It is difficult for her to hear, and she often experiences difficulty communicating with others. Soksomaly traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 3, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $842 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. She says, "I hope that this operation will allow me to hear properly and for the infection and discharge to stop."

Sayuni is a girl from Tanzania. She is four years old and the youngest in a family of eight children. Sayuni was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Her legs are bowed outwards. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Sayuni. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 4. Treatment will hopefully restore Sayuni's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications.

Thearo is a young man from Cambodia. Ten years ago, Thearo's spine started to curve, 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 his spine, and prevent further worsening of the condition. Fortunately, surgery is scheduled for March 14. Our medical partner needs help raising $1,500 to fund this procedure. Thearo hopes to go back to school and become a teacher one day. He says, "I hope that after surgery, I will no longer have any pain and will be able to go back to school without any discomfort."

Sogomo is a grandmother from Kenya. She plants millet and cassava. She is the mother of five children. Early this month, Sogomo slipped and broke her right hand while crossing a fence. She is now unable to stretch or lift her right hand. Sogomo will not be able to perform her normal duties of farming and fetching water for her house if she is not treated. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 13, Sogomo will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. She will be able to use her hand again with no pain. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure. Sogomo’s son says, “We were forced as family to borrow money from a money lender with high interest rates to pay bills for Sogomo’s first treatment. We are unable to afford for her second treatment again."

Lida is a young girl from Cambodia. She has five sisters and four brothers. She stopped studying in the fourth grade. She now wants to start her own business at home. She likes to watch TV and read in her free time. When she was five, Lida had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Lida experiences ear discharge, hearing loss, tinnitus, and itchiness. She cannot communicate clearly with others and she has ear pain. Lida traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 11, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $423 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Her mother says, "I worry about my daughter's hearing and that she can't hear well."

John is a farmer from Kenya. In July 2018, he sustained a closed fracture of his right humerus. He was taken to the hospital and bandaged. He was advised to undergo surgery, but his family could not afford treatment. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 13, John will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help the fracture heal, and John will be able to use his right hand again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $998 to fund this procedure. His brother says, ”We are desperate; even bus fare to come to the hospital was paid by our neighbors. I pray that Watsi may help us so that my brother can at least be able to help himself to do basic things.”