Leonora is a 62-year-old housewife from the Philippines. While her husband receives a small pension, and Leonora takes in laundry when she can, their daughter, a dishwasher, is the family's main provider. Four months ago, Leonora began to experience troubling symptoms, including a lump on her neck, palpitations, and mild cold symptoms. She was diagnosed with a mass on her thyroid, and she will need surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Leonora receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on June 14th, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, while WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Leonora's procedure and care. Leonora said, "Receiving a free operation would be a huge relief for me and my family. I am deeply grateful to the organization, and I hope that your efforts in helping the poor will continue, so that more people in need can benefit from your compassion and generosity."

Saw is a baby boy from Burma who lives with his parents and older brother in Karen State. His mother is a homemaker, and his father is a farmer. Saw has suffered from recurring urinary tract infection (UTI) since he was five months old. In January 2025, Saw visited our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, where doctors discovered a mass. Saw experiences recurring fevers, yellowish-red urine, and reduced urination. He also cries more frequently, indicating discomfort and distress. Saw's family sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children's Medical Fund. He is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on April 2nd and needs $1,500 to cover his procedure and care costs. Saw’s mother stated, “Without donor funding and help from you, we cannot cover the expenses. I am incredibly grateful for the assistance our family has received, as this has alleviated some of our stress and given us hope for Saw’s recovery.”

Hong is a 24-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham province with his parents and one younger brother. His mother works in a garment factory, and his father is a rice farmer. Hong drives a rice combine machine that cuts, threshes, and winnows rice in one operation, which improves the efficiency of rice harvesting for the family. When he was 10 years old, Hong had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum. For this reason, Hong experiences frequent pain and discharge from his left ear. About 10 days ago, an insect entered his left ear, which worsened the condition, causing increased pain and discharge, and required him to seek immediate treatment. On April 8th, Hong will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Hong's family can contribute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs help to raise $826 more to cover the cost of medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Hong shared: "I hope to have no pain and be able to understand other people after this operation."

Nyi is a 16-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, older brother, and two younger brothers in Mon State, Burma. Nyi finished sixth grade but discontinued his education, hoping to find a job. His mother is a homemaker, and his father works as a cargo carrier. In his free time, Nyi enjoys repairing things like electronic devices for fun. Nyi was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backward. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Nyi still suffers from tiredness and breathlessness on exertion. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Nyi. The treatment is scheduled to take place on May 10th. After his recovery, he should be able to live more comfortably. Nyi said, “After my full recovery, I want to find work so I can help my family." Nyi’s mother added, “Thank you so much to BCMF and the donors for helping with my son’s treatment costs.”

17-month-old Tesfanesh is a cheerful and playful baby girl from Ethiopia. She lives with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and her father, making her the beloved granddaughter of the family. Shortly after her birth, Tesfanesh's parents separated. She was left in the care of her grandmother, who soon began to notice signs of an intestinal blockage. Tesfanesh was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. Filled with hope, the family travelled to seek treatment. Tesfanesh was diagnosed with an anorectal malformation, which leads to a complete or partial blockage of the intestines and bowel dysfunction. She needs to undergo several surgeries to completely treat her condition. The first surgery has been completed, reducing her abdominal bloating and improving her overall health. Tesfanesh is scheduled to undergo a second surgery to correct her condition on May 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Tesfanesh's procedure and care. After her recovery, Tesfanesh will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Tesfanesh's grandaunt said, “I have great hope that the surgery will be successful, and that she will grow up to be healthy."

Three-year-old Rouss lives in the western part of Bolivia with her parents and an older sister. Her mother works as a food vendor, while her father is a mechanic. Rouss and her family are also expecting a baby brother soon, as her mother is currently pregnant and due to deliver in the near future. Two days after she was born, Rouss was admitted to the hospital due to breathing difficulties. Upon examination, doctors discovered she was suffering from a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. These conditions resulted in a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart, causing blood to leak through without passing through her lungs for oxygen, which leaves Rouss weak and short of breath. Additionally, there is a second hole between two major blood vessels next to her heart. The doctors informed her mother that Rouss required urgent open-heart surgery. Rouss also has Down syndrome. Because the family lives in a very rural area of Bolivia, it has taken a long time for Rouss to access the surgery she needs. Fortunately, on April 2nd, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During the procedure, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole to close it, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Rouss's cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Rouss's mother says: "We are so glad to be here, and to know there is a solution for her heart problem. I love her and only want the best for her!"

Nar Ni is a 21-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and her one-year-old daughter in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. She is from Karen State, Burma but a few years ago, she moved to Thailand to look for better opportunities. Her husband is a farmer and Nar Ni looks after her daughter at home. In her free time, she loves to play with her daughter. Nar Ni was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. She currently feels tired when she walks or does her household chores. On February 26th, Nar Ni is scheduled to undergo heart surgery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Nar Ni's procedure and care. After her recovery, she plans to work as a day laborer so she can support her daughter. Nar Ni said, "Thank you very much to all the donors who are willing to help me with the surgery cost. I wish that all your work and businesses are more successful and may your family be healthy and happy."

George is a humorous 69-year-old from Kenya who visited the hospital with his wife. They have five adult children. George sells various goods, while his wife sells bananas in order to sustain themselves. George stepped onto a stool to pick something up in the house when he slipped and fell, hitting his right hand. An X-ray at the hospital revealed that he sustained a closed fracture in his right radius. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help him receive the care he needs. On January 20th, George will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation. This surgery is vital to prevent malunion (when a fractured bone heals in an abnormal position) and to help George heal properly. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,048 to fund George's procedure. George shared: "My injuries have cost me a lot, in terms of not going for my hawking job, thus making me stay at home because of pain. I hope to get help, and I am looking forward to getting better soon."

Zaw is a 46-year-old man living in Thailand. He fled to Thailand from his village in Karen State, Burma in April 2024 due to fighting in the area. In his free time, Zaw used to enjoy exercising a lot but nowadays, he prefers to take long walks since he cannot lift anymore. Zaw can move normally and do most chores himself, but he is unable to work. Early in May 2024, Zaw experienced severe pain in his abdomen for the first time. He visited a clinic and the doctor treated him with an intravenous injection after diagnosing him with gastritis. The pain went away but came back as soon as he left the hospital. He feels pain in his abdomen that comes and goes and worsens when he lies down, making it impossible for him to sleep well. After several visits to clinics and hospitals, Zaw was diagnosed with a pancreatic pseudocyst and needs surgery to remove it. Zaw is now at a clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand, as he awaits further treatment. The clinic also helps provide shelter, food, and financial aid for health care. Zaw traveled to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, to receive care, and on November 21st, surgeons will remove the cyst. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Zaw's procedure and provide him relief from the impact of the cyst. Zaw expresses his worries saying, “Right now, I do not even want to think about my future. I hope I will be able to find a good job after I am healthy again, where no heavy lifting is needed. Thank you to BCMF and the donors for your help.”

Naung is a 64-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and their disabled son in Karen State, Burma. She and her husband are retired and depend on the support from their daughter who works in Bangkok, Thailand. Naung enjoys meditating, listening to the monk’s sermon, and planting vegetables around her house. Naung has been diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma in both eyes. Her eyes itch and tear. She cannot see clearly making it difficult for her to perform her daily tasks. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Naung. On November 19th, doctors will perform a lens replacement, where they will remove Naung's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Naung said, “My daughter needs to quit her job to look after me so the financial is the biggest problem for my family during my treatment. Thank you so much to the donors for the treatment support. Without your help, I might need to borrow money with high interest.”

55-year-old Bernie is a hardworking custodian, who also repairs appliances to support his family. His wife Meraflor occasionally launders clothes to supplement their income. The family lives with their two sons in the Philippines. Two months ago, Bernie began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe stomach pain and difficulty breathing. He underwent surgery in September, but is presently still experiencing jaundice, which propelled him to seek a second medical opinion. After the consultation, he was advised to have his gallbladder removed. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen, and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. Frequent trips to the hospital for consultations, lab tests, and surgery have taken a significant toll on Bernie's family. Meraflor has been struggling with depression during this difficult time, while their eldest child has found it hard to concentrate on job applications because of his caregiving duties. Meanwhile, their younger son has put his education on hold to help take care of Bernie. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Bernie receive treatment. On October 18th, he is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being funded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128, to cover the cost of Bernie's surgery and care. Bernie says: "The possibility of supported surgery treatment will greatly relieve me and my family, allowing us to save for our children's education and other essential expenses. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Thank you all very much."

Scholastica is a 13-year-old girl and the eldest of three children. Her parents are farmers who rely on their land to provide food for the family. She enjoys spending time with her siblings at home, helping with household chores, and playing together. Scholastica was born with clubfoot on her right foot, where her foot is twisted inward and downward. This makes it difficult for her to walk, run, play, and wear shoes. She had to stop school when she was in 5th grade as she could no longer walk comfortably. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Scholastica will start clubfoot manipulation and casting on September 13th. This will be followed by clubfoot correction surgery which will help Scholastica with her mobility and build strength. Now, Scholastica needs your help to raise $1,119 to fund her procedure and care. Scholastica’s father says: “We are happy that she has this chance to get treatment, it gives us hope that she will get better and will be able to continue with school.”