This is Ta Lo. She is 54 years old, and lives in Burma with her husband. She has four grown-up children. Ta Lo and her husband primarily grow rice for a living, but also need to supplement their income by working as laborers for a few days a month. Working in the fields and as a laborer is physically demanding, and as a result of all these years of heavy lifting and hard work, Ta Lo has developed a condition called utrovaginal prolapse. This is a condition where one’s muscles, ligaments and skin around the pelvic region prolapse, or fall, out of their normal positions in the body. Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects, tells us, “Ta Lo noticed her prolapse when she was 23 years old, but it was very small and she only had a small amount of pain. As she has gotten older, it has gradually gotten worse. Now it is difficult for her to pass urine and stool, and sitting and working is uncomfortable.” Ta Lo had a fall two months ago, which worsened her condition and rendered her unable to work. There is treatment, but she simply can’t afford it. She shares, “I want to be able to move more easily and contribute to help my husband. I look forward to be able to cut branches and leaves for my house’s roof and be able to clean my house without discomfort and pain.” Ta Lo can receive surgery for $1,500. Upon completion, she will be free of her pain, and should be able to return to some normalcy. Let’s work together to make it happen for Ta Lo!

When twenty-two-month-old Bakari was born in Tanzania, everyone thought he was a normal baby. However, after some time, his parents began to notice that his head was increasing in size at an unusual rate. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tell us that Bakari was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain, resulting in swelling. “Bakari’s head [has] continued to increase in size, unfortunately he cannot sit and neither can he see. Bakari needs an operation to prevent further brain damage,” reveals AMHF. Bakari needs hydrocephalus repair surgery. During surgery, the excess CSF in his brain will be drained, and the outer membranes surrounding his brain will be repaired. Treatment will cost $775, which covers surgical and medical expenses, as well as five days in the hospital and two weeks at a physical rehabilitation center. “[Bakari] is the third born in the family. [He] is being raised by his grandma after his mother died of sudden death last year,” shares AMHF. The income his grandparents have, as farmers, is not enough to afford Bakari’s treatment, and provide for their six children and other grandchildren. “If only my grandson could get well and have the ability to stand and walk, I would be very happy,” says Bakari’s grandma.