Hnin is a 65-year-old woman who lives with her two daughters and two granddaughters in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. The family is originally from Bago Division in Burma. Hnin is retired, while one of her daughters works in a garment factory, and the other is a homemaker; her granddaughters are both students. The family income is not always enough to cover the cost of their daily expenses, so they sometimes need to borrow money from their neighbors, or the working daughter takes an advance on her paycheck from the factory where she works. The family lives with another couple that helps in paying rent, but they do not share any other resources. Due to Hnin’s health condition, they have had to borrow money for treatment and transportation costs. In 2010, Hnin was in a motorbike accident where she injured both knees. She went to a local clinic, but they did not perform an x-ray or examination, they only gave her medication for the pain. After the accident, Hnin’s knees would occasionally cause her pain, which she would treat with pain medication and traditional Burmese medicine. In January 2023, Hnin’s knee pain became worse, and her knees swelled, so she went to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot where she was given pain medication, and referred to physiotherapy. However, the physiotherapy and follow-up appointments at MTC did not help much. The pain in her knees was worsening, so she stopped going but continued treating the pain with medication and traditional medicine. In January 2026, Hnin began having shaky legs when standing, and her knees were increasingly stiff, so she went to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in Mae Sot on 2nd February 2026. There she underwent an x-ray and was told that she had osteoarthritis in her knees which has progressed to last stage, and only surgery would help. She was given medication, a cane, and a follow-up appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. When she attended her appointment, she underwent another x-ray, and the doctor explained about her severe osteoarthritis and advised surgery. As she can only undergo surgery one knee at a time, the doctor advised her to have surgery on her right knee, since it was causing her the most pain. Presently, Hnin spends much of her time lying down or sitting and cannot help with most housework. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Hnin receive treatment. On March 12th, she will undergo surgery to relieve pain and improve her mobility. Now, Hnin's family needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. She says, "After treatment and recovery, I look forward to going to the monastery to meditate again, as I used to do this before my knees caused me so much trouble. Thank you for your support for my treatment”.

Nalin is a 78-year-old retired tailor from Phnom Penh from Cambodia. She is widow whose husband died during Khmer Rouge, and has three children and 13 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter who is a house maker. At home, she enjoys listen to the monks' sermon on the radio and take care of her grandchildren. Nalin is diabetic, and about a month ago, her right eye's retina detached, causing her blurred vision, redness and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Nalin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On February 25th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Nalin needs help to fund this $706 procedure. She says: "I hope that after my surgery, my eye will be able to see better than now. I look forward to being able to recognize places, and walk on my own.

Mariat is a two-year-old girl from Ethiopia. In a home filled with quiet worry, this young girl battles recurring tonsillitis, finding comfort only in the arms of the older brother she loves so dearly. Her mother is a homemaker, while her father is a nurse. Nine months ago, Mariat started to experience burning fevers and painful swallowing. The recurring illness has caused a painful cycle of fatigue, poor sleep, and a loss of appetite. Her loud snoring and restless nights leave the whole family drained. Managing her health has become a source of deep worry for her parents, who find it nearly impossible to cover the costs of her treatment on a single, limited salary. Mariat was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mariat, which is scheduled to take place on January 24th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mariat of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mariat's parents shared, "Our family hopes this surgery will bring the lasting relief she deserves. We look forward to seeing her healthy and happy at last."

Brielle is a two-year-old girl from Kenya. She was born prematurely, with significant medical issues. Not too long after she was born, doctors discovered that the passages for stool and urine had not fully formed. While she was in the hospital, having undergone a colostomy, Brielle's father walked away from his wife and child because he felt ashamed of what was happening with his daughter. He said that he had never seen such a condition in his family. Brielle's mother stayed by her daughter's side as she underwent a total of four surgeries. Each recovery brought complications, and each setback tested her faith. A colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall, is often performed to bypass bowel malformations. But colostomies are usually temporary, and may call for closure. In Brielle's case, her colostomy requires closure to restore bowel function and to prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Brielle. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 12th at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, and once it is completed, Brielle should be able to move on to the next phase of her life. “Some days, I do not understand why my daughter has had to fight battles she never asked for, but I know one thing for certain. As long as I have breath, she will never fight alone. I may not have money, I may not have support, but I have a mother’s love, and that is what keeps me standing beside her every single day.” Brielle’s mother narrates.

Jayson is 41 years old and a single father of three from the Philippines. He and his children live with his elderly parents, whom he looks after, too. He works as a food delivery rider and a courier for packages. He enjoys fish-keeping as a hobby and hopes to return to jogging and playing basketball once his condition is treated. For 23 years, Jayson has been living with an inguinal hernia. This causes persistent swelling and pain. The pain and restricted mobility have further impaired his capacity to work efficiently as a delivery rider, a job that requires prolonged sitting, lifting, and continuous movement. Fortunately, on January 9th, Jayson will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Jayson's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jayson said, "This surgery will be a big help not only for me but also for my family. I could go back to work and live normally again without pain or fear that I cannot provide for my children."

Joseph is a young boy from Kenya. He is the oldest of two in his family and comes from Karung’a village in Kitui County. His mother, Stella, is a small-scale farmer, and his father works on construction sites. Joseph loves playing and being in school. He is a grade 2 pupil and dreams of becoming a doctor someday. Joseph was born with clubfoot affecting both of his feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. He also has kyphosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine in the lower back. This makes it difficult for him to stand or walk on his own, so he currently moves by crawling on the ground. Fortunately, Joseph traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, he is scheduled to undergo bilateral posterior capsulotomy along with serial casting on February 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Joseph's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to stand, walk, run, play, and continue with his education. "I am looking forward to the day Joseph will be able to stand, walk, and run like other children," Stella, Joseph’s mother, shared. "I pray that this treatment will give him a chance to play, go to school, and live a normal life."

Pong is 37 years old and a volunteer teaching assistant from Cambodia. She lives in Kompong Cham province with her parents, who work as rice farmers. In her free time, Pong helps her parents in the farm and around the house. Pong was born with Cloves syndrome, a very rare congenital condition characterized by a combination of vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint anomalies. She has lymphangioma, a large, benign malformation of the lymphatic system. The mass on her face has been affecting her eyes, causing excessive dryness and pain when working or riding her motorbike due to sensitivity to wind and pollution. She hopes to improve her comfort so she can continue to drive, attend her volunteer job, and work in the rice fields. Fortunately, Pong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. At CSC, surgeons can perform a complex excision surgery to help relieve Pong of her eye pain, and allow her to work and carry out her daily activities more easily. The treatment is scheduled on December 1st. Pong's family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $741 to pay for Pong's treatment and care. Pong said, "After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have pain in my left eye, so I can do my job and help my parents in the rice fields."

Valentina is a 14-month-old girl from Bolivia. She has five older siblings and loves to laugh and play with her family. Her father works as a driver, and her mother sells food. When she was a young baby, Valentina's parents noticed she was always agitated and couldn't breathe normally, so they took her to the doctor who diagnosed a heart condition called ventricular septal defect. This means there is a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart and blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Valentina also has Down syndrome. On December 3rd, Valentina will undergo heart surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood will no longer leak through it. Valentina's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Valentina's father said, "Valentina is a sweet little girl, we hope everything goes well, so she can have a healthy heart!"

Reynaldo is 50 years old and a driver from the Philippines. He and his wife have three children. He worked as a legislative staff for twenty years but had to retire due to his medical condition. He now drives for clients who hire him when they need him. However, due to his current health condition, he has stopped working for a month now. Six months ago, Reynaldo began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain that radiated to his back, legs, and feet. He also experienced a burning sensation from his stomach down to his feet. He was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Reynaldo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on October 12th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Reynaldo's surgery and care. Reynaldo shared, "I am very thankful to everyone who’s there to help me with my medical condition. I hope more individuals who cannot afford such medical expenses can also receive support."