Aye is a six-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, who are small-scale farmers. They sell their extra vegetables and livestock for additional income every couple of months. Aye and his sister are both students in the village. In his free time, Aye plays games on his mother's phone and enjoys playing football with his friends. He dreams of becoming a professional footballer when he grows up, just like his idol Ronaldo. In 2024, Aye's mother noticed a small mass on the left side of his neck. Over the next four months, she watched it grow in size. Currently, the mass measures 15 cm and continues to grow despite previous treatment. Aye feels no pain and is not impaired in any way, but his mother is deeply worried about what it could be and anxious about the cost of his care. Fortunately, on April 22nd, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, will help Aye undergo mass removal surgery. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Aye needs your support to fund the surgery. Aye's mother said, “I hope that once he recovers, I can send him back to school. I hope he becomes a teacher in the future since there is a shortage of teachers in our village. Thank you for your help.”

Altiya is a lively baby girl with boundless curiosity from Ethiopia. She is always exploring and playing with anything she can find around her. Toys and other items captivate her, reflecting her joyful spirit. The name “Altiya” means “happy” in Afan Oromo, and her family was overjoyed when she was born. Altiya lives in a single room with her parents and her paternal grandparents. Her mother is a dedicated housewife, while her father works as a farmer, providing for the family through agricultural activities. Farming sustains both her immediate family and her father’s extended relatives. Altiya was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. When her mother first noticed Altiya’s condition, panic set in, and she struggled to believe that a surgical solution was possible. It took two months, but with the support of their family, her mother eventually decided to seek medical help. After visiting a local hospital, they were referred for further treatment. However, upon learning about the high costs involved, Altiya's mother felt overwhelmed and began to lose hope, unsure of how to proceed. After reaching out to those around her, Altiya's mother learned about Mother Teresa Mission from a neighbor and decided to seek help there. The MOC staff provided invaluable support, helping them travel to Addis Ababa for advanced treatment. They arranged accommodation, meals, and other essential services, and guided them to the Bethany kids center. This collaboration opened doors for Altiya, enabling her to receive the necessary care without the burden of financial stress. Her first surgery was remarkable and successful, restoring hope for the future. With deep gratitude, her mother expresses sincere appreciation for the support they have received and looks forward with hope to the success of the upcoming procedures. Altiya is scheduled to undergo another surgery to correct her condition on March 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Altiya's procedure and care. After her recovery, Altiya will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Altiya's mom said, "I am truly grateful for your incredible support. After this treatment journey, I feel happy knowing that my child will be healthy following the surgery. Please continue to provide your support; it means the world to us."

Amos is a 23-year-old man from Kenya. He recently got married and is hopeful about starting a better life for himself and his new family, despite the many challenges he faced growing up. Amos studied only up to Class Seven, as his education was cut short due to a lack of school fees after his family’s circumstances worsened. In 2017, his mother sadly passed away due to complications related to chronic alcoholism. Since then, life has been extremely difficult for the family. His father also struggles with alcoholism and has been unable to care for or provide for his children. As a result, none of Amos’s siblings completed their education. Despite these challenges, Amos has always worked hard to provide for himself through casual jobs. Unfortunately, tragedy struck again just one week ago. While pruning trees in his compound in an attempt to earn a living, Amos accidentally cut his arm, sustaining a fracture of the ulna with an associated tendon rupture. He is now unable to use his hand and is in severe pain, making it impossible for him to work or support his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 16th, Amos will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will go a long way in restoring his ability to use his arm. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Amos says, "I have been admitted to the hospital, but I could not afford the washout procedure. Now that I need surgery, it will be very difficult for me to raise the full hospital bill. I humbly request your support so that I can receive treatment, go back home, and recover. I promise to work hard to provide for myself and my family once I am well.”

Po is a 79-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his daughter and three grandchildren in a refugee camp, in Mae Hong Song Province, Thailand. Originally farmers from a village in Hpapun, Karen State, Burma, Po and his daughter relocated to the camp in 2021 following nearby conflict. Now retired, Po relies on food allowance provided by an international aid agency in the camp. They also receive free accommodation and basic healthcare in the camp which is enough to meet his family’s basic needs. In 2011, Po has had inguinal hernia. Po continues to experience frequent, manually reducible swelling in his left scrotum, with pain and discomfort that worsens when standing, walking, or lifting objects, and particularly when urinating. Fortunately, on December 18th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sariang Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,468 to fund Po's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 18th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Po shares, “This pain and discomfort have been with me for more than a decade, and I’ve grown used to them. I am grateful that soon I might be free from them. At my age, I cannot work again after my treatment, but being pain-free will make my daily life easier. My family will no longer be burdened. Thank you to the donors and BCMF for your help.”

Helen is a 63-year-old woman from the Philippines. She lives with her daughter and grandchildren. Helen noticed a small lump on the left side of her face. At first, she didn’t think much of it because it wasn’t painful, and it didn’t really bother her. She hoped it would go away on its own. However, over time, the lump gradually grew larger and became more noticeable. She began to worry, especially since it was close to her ear and jaw, and it was affecting her appearance and overall well-being. Her family is worried that it could cause other problems in the future. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On November 8th, Helen will undergo mass removal surgery. Now, she needs help to raise $1,500 to fund her procedure and care. Helen says, "This help brought me a sense of relief and renewed hope for me and my family. Thank you so much to everyone who strengthened my determination to undergo the procedure and showed their love and support for me."

Angella is 46 years old and a single mother of two from Malawi. She sells jewelry and used to earn about $288.50 per month when she was in good health. However, her illness has significantly affected her business due to frequent hospital visits, which have drained her income. For two years, Angella has been experiencing severe pain on the left side of her abdomen, where a swelling had developed, accompanied by a backache. She promptly visited the hospital, where she was given painkillers. As time went by, the pain resurfaced, prompting more hospital visits. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH), a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Angella's surgery. On October 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Angella will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Angella shared, "I wish I could have peace of mind through surgery to get rid of pains, backache, and anemia."

Yemariam is a four-year-old girl from Ethiopia, the only child of her parents and a bright spark in their quiet world. Three years ago, Yemariam started experiencing difficulty in swallowing, snoring, and a lack of appetite. Yemariam was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Her father, the family's sole provider, earns little income that has been exhausted by doctor visits and medication. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Yemariam, which is scheduled to take place on September 14th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Yemariam of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Yemariam's parents say: "We hope for peaceful nights for our daughter, for her to eat without pain, and for her to play happily with her friends. We hope she can start her studies like all the other children, and not have to carry this burden of pain anymore."

Monny Reach and his family are from Takeo Province, Cambodia, about four hours away from the capital city of Phnom Penh. He is the youngest of two siblings, with an older brother who is ten years old and in fourth grade. His father works as a taxi driver, and his mother sells groceries. At home, Monny enjoys playing with toy cars and spending time with his mother. He loves all types of Khmer soups, especially lemongrass sour soup. When Monny Reach was about a year old, his parents noticed weakness in his foot when he was unable to stand after pulling himself up using furniture. They took him to a children's hospital, where a doctor observed that his spine was not straight and suspected a spinal deformity. The doctor recommended that he visit an organization for further evaluation, where he was advised to wear a brace. However, due to a respiratory disease he had as a baby, Monny Reach often struggled to breathe, making it impossible for him to wear the brace. He did not begin walking on his own until he was two and a half years old. Recently, Monny Reach's parents learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), through social media and sought treatment. In February, he was diagnosed with infantile scoliosis, which causes his spine to curve or twist. This condition can eventually affect his chest and lungs, making it harder for him to breathe. Although Monny does not feel pain, he experiences difficulty breathing and sitting for long periods. On August 12th, Monny Reach will undergo spinal surgery to correct his scoliosis and stabilize his spine. This surgery is expected to improve his posture and allow him to live a healthier life as he grows. His family hopes that the operation will help him breathe better and prevent future complications, but they need assistance covering the $1,500 cost of the procedure. This amount includes surgery, metal spinal implants, anesthesia, medication, and postoperative care. Monny Reach's parents said, "After the operation, we hope that our son will have a normal spine like the other kids and not have any pain. We want him to grow strong and healthy."

Deymar is a seven-year-old student from Bolivia. He lives in La Paz with his dad, who works in construction, his mom, who is a homemaker, and his three older siblings. Deymar frequently got sick as a young child, but the cause was only discovered recently when he was found to have a heart problem. Deymar has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exist between two major blood vessels next to his heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. On July 21st, Deymar is scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Deymar'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. Deymar's father says: "Our family is so grateful that the doctors can help my boy, we are happy now that we know his heart can be fixed."