Phanny is a 55-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. She has seven children, six grandchildren, and enjoys watching Khmer dramas on television in his free time. Five years ago, Phanny developed a pterygium in right, causing her irritation and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Phanny learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. Phanny needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 30. Phanny says, "I hope that after my surgery, I am able to see clearly and can return to my work in construction."

Wim is a 48-year-old monk from Burma. He lives in a monastery in Taungoo, Bago Division. He became a monk three years ago, after he got divorced. Wim was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, Wim feels tired and cannot walk long distance. Sometimes, he has back pain and he feels like he cannot breathe well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Wim. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 06 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Wim said, “I would to remain a monk and study Buddhism. I would really like to thank the donors, BCMF and the doctors for helping me receive surgery [in the future]. I am very happy right now.”

This little boy is Luis, a nine-month-old from Guatemala with acute malnutrition. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), reports, “Luis is suffering from malnutrition as well as diarrhea. He is far below the average weight and height for his age, and we worry about what will occur without intervention.” If left untreated, the mental and physical consequences of malnutrition can be detrimental to Luis' long-term health. “Without intervention Luis will be at risk of both the short and long-term effects of malnutrition. His weakened immune system will put him at risk for other illnesses and infections. In the long-run, he will be at higher risk for chronic diseases and the effects of limited brain development in childhood will lead to make it difficult to obtain/ sustain a well paying job.” For $535, Luis will receive comprehensive treatment for malnutrition. “The treatment will supply Luis with growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication," WK adds. "His parents will receive intensive nutrition education, thus building their confidence and ability to care of Luis and his brother. Intervention now will give Luis the chance to live a healthy productive life.” “I thank God for this opportunity that you are giving us,” shares Luis’ mother. “I hope my son will get better.”

Fifteen-month-old Madelin is a happy baby girl who lives with her parents in Guatemala. She enjoys running and playing, eating fruit of all kinds, and playing with the flowers that her grandmother sometimes puts behind her ears. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq (WK), shares that Madelin is malnourished. “Madelin is sick often – diarrhea and vomiting - and at the same time she is losing a lot of weight. If intervention does not occur, she will continue to lose weight and will be at risk of dehydration and death as well as the long term risks of malnutrition.” Madelin’s father, who works as farmer whenever work is available, does not earn enough money to afford sufficient food and medical care for Madelin. “Neither of us have any education,” her parents say. “We can’t get a good enough job to earn enough money for our little girl.” $535 will fund a diagnostic work and treatment for Madelin’s acute malnutrition. “This treatment will supply Madelin with the growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication for her to recoup some of the weight and height she has lost, and increase her overall caloric intake,” WK explains. “Her parents will receive intensive nutrition education, thus building their confidence and ability to care for Madelin throughout her childhood.”

"I don't have big hopes for the future. All I know is that treatment will make me happy and that will be enough," shares Naw Ku, a 55-year-old mother from Thailand. Over the last few months, Naw Ku has been experiencing heart palpitations, dizzy spells, soreness, and heavy bleeding due to a large mass on her uterus. Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects, shared with us that “Naw Ku’s family is very supportive of her and doesn't let her do any chores.” Without the ability to contribute to her family’s workload, however, Naw Ku feels “useless and depressed.” In order to get Naw Ku back to being a productive and happy member of her household, the mass needs to be removed immediately and Naw Ku needs to see a gynecologist before her situation escalates. Unfortunately, neither Naw Ku nor her husband has a steady income, as he is a pastor and she is retired. While her three children work hard to support their parents, their income is not enough to cover the extra cost of Naw Ku’s healthcare needs. Let's raise $1,500 for Naw Ku’s medical treatment! Not only will this treatment keep her out of harm's way, but it will keep her family whole and happy as well as restore Naw Ku’s self-worth.

Meet Mourine, an expectant 25-year-old mother from Kenya. She lives in a small thatched roofed hut with her husband and two children. Mourine's husband is a farmer who grows maize, beans and vegetables to support their family's needs. Even with all of their hard work, Mourine and her husband cannot afford the extra cost of health services for Mourine's pregnancy. For just $215, we can give Mourine the support she needs to ensure a safe delivery of her third baby. Both the baby and Mourine will receive better healthcare and advanced medical care should any complications arise. Let's grant Mourine access to skilled attendants and health services that every mother deserves!

Meet one-year-old Suzan from Tanzania! The youngest of five children, she is the daughter of two loving parents. Her father owns a small secondhand clothing shop, and her mother recently began work as a shopkeeper. Together, they earn enough to cover basic needs and tuition fees for two of the five children. However, it will be a big challenge for them to afford treatment for Suzan's facial tumor. A happy baby, Suzan is very friendly and loves to be carried around. However, because of her large facial tumor and its position near her nose, she has trouble seeing and difficulty breathing. Her mother tells us, “Suzan is loved by everyone in the family. We all hope that she can be treated. I long to see her beautiful face and wish for her to live a normal life without people staring at her face, wondering what is wrong with her." Let's work together to raise $900 for a tumor excision and facial reconstruction. With this surgical treatment, Suzan will not only be able to see and breathe better, she will also develop a more normal appearance.

Meet Vivian! Born just six weeks ago in Kenya, Vivian is the youngest of six children in her family. Vivian’s mother cares for and supports the family independently by running her own business. Vivian was born with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the brain. It is likely that Vivian will lose her sight and experience other complications due to brain damage if she doesn't have surgery. However, her family’s meager income cannot pay for a procedure to relieve Vivian from the complications associated with hydrocephalus. Vivian’s mother says, “It is my hope that my daughter will get the needed treatment, and that she will get well soon.” For $980, we can fund a shunt incision treatment that will drain the excess fluid in Vivian’s brain and reduce the pressure in her head. Let’s support Vivian, and help her grow into a loving sister and daughter who can enjoy life with her family!