Nan Lay is a 22-year-old woman from Burma. She works as a medic at a clinic near her village. In her free time, she enjoys reading health-related books to gain more knowledge on the work she does. In 2014, while she was attending the medic training at Mae Tao Clinic (MTC), she had a fever which was followed by pain in her back and her right abdomen. Although she had ultrasound done at the clinic, the result showed normal. She was just treated for urinary tract infection, and she felt better after five days. In 2016, she again experienced pain in her abdomen but this time was on the left side. She went to a clinic in Taunggyi, Burma, where she again had an ultrasound imaging test. The result this time revealed a stone in her left ureter. The doctor told her to undergo surgery to remove the stone but because she could not afford the surgical cost 800,000 kyat (approx. 800 USD), she just asked for medication. Since then she had a few episode of severe abdominal pain, and she went to different hospitals in Burma to seek treatment but the doctors kept telling her that she needed surgery. One day in 2019, Nan Lay ran into a friend who also had the same kind of health condition as hers. Her friend told her about the assistance she received at Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) and advised her to ask for help there. Nan Lay then went to MTC, a partner organisation of BCMF. After confirming her diagnosis, MTC referred her to BCMF. Nan Lay still is experiencing back pain at the moment. She worries that her pain will increase when she has to travel. She has pain at her back and at suprapubic area, especially when she sits for a longer period of time and/or when she drinks insufficiently. Although she wants to continue learning and attending more training on medical and health, her health problem has limited her ability to finish her trainings. Nan Lay said, “After I recover from this condition, I will save money so that I can open a small shop, for my parents, to sell dry foods."

Cristina is a mother of five and a homemaker from Guatemala. She also grows corn and raises livestock to support her family. Cristina underwent a pap smear test with the nurses in our medical partner's women's health program, and the results of her pap came back positive. Though Cristina does not currently have symptoms, she still needs to undergo a colposcopy, which is a guided biopsy procedure that removes affected areas of the cervix. A colposcopy is often curative for cancerous or precancerous lesions of the cervix, and it is therefore is the best way to prevent the spread of cervical cancer. With $218 in funding, Cristina will consult with a specialist who will perform the colposcopy. Even if cancer or pre-cancer is found in her biopsy results, this procedure is often curative. Following the procedure, Cristina will have a better understanding of her condition. She will be able to return to her normal life and continue supporting her family. The procedure is scheduled for January 23. Cristina shares, "Thank you for helping me financially receive this procedure. I want to be healthy so that I can take care of my kids and to make sure that they can continue going to school."

Firomsa is a toddler from Ethiopia. He loves to play and laugh with toys. His parents are traditional farmers. Firomsa was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Firomsa is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on November 29. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Firomsa's procedure and care. After his recovery, Firomsa will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. His mother says, “We wanted to pay for his care but we are not able to do it.”

Kesiime is a woman from Uganda. She has one child. She works for the local government. For two years, Kesiime has experienced gynecological swelling and pain. This has affected her work performance. She has been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Kesiime needs to undergo a cystectomy to treat this condition. The procedure is scheduled for December 19 and will cost $220. Kesiime says, “I will be glad after having this condition removed and have good health so that I can continue serving others.”

Denis is a student from Kenya. He is the third child in a family of four. His mother is a single mother and works as a farmer. In early August, Denis was traveling home on a motorbike taxi when it was hit by another vehicle. Denis was rushed to hospital with severe injuries on his face and right leg. He is unable to walk and can barely sit. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On August 23, Denis will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. After treatment, Denis will be able to walk again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure. His mother says, “My son is bedridden, all I can do is just watch him lay in bed and feed him. I hope he will undergo the surgery soon to put away my worries."

Teresiah is a farmer from Kenya. For two years, she has been experiencing heavy bleeding and lower abdominal pain. She has been diagnosed with multiple uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $718 to fund Teresiah's surgery. On August 24, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Teresiah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. “My children are looking upon me as their only support. I hope for help and successful surgery so that I can continue guiding them and doing my farming,” says Teresiah.