Chanthy is a 46-year-old wife and mother from Cambodia. Her husband works in construction, and together they have three children; the eldest is employed in Thailand, the second works as a waitress, and the youngest has a disability that prevents them from walking or speaking properly. In her free time, Chanthy enjoys growing vegetables around her home to help support the family. About seven years ago, Chanthy developed a small mass on the left side of her upper jaw. It initially appeared to be a small acne-like lesion but rapidly increased in size, eventually causing pain and difficulty breathing. She underwent surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), to remove the mass, followed by a reconstructive surgery for her lower eyelid. Though these surgeries were successful, Chancy later developed tightness around her left eye, causing discomfort and vision problems. Fortunately, CSC will help Chanthy undergo a second reconstructive surgery on June 16th. Chanthy’s family has raised some of the funds, but needs help raising $847 to fully fund the surgery. Following surgery, Chanthy is expected to experience reduced tightness around the left eye, improved comfort, enhanced vision, and overall improved quality of life. Chanthy said, “I have been struggling with this condition for many years and have already undergone treatment before, but I still feel discomfort and difficulty with my eye. I hope this surgery will help reduce my tightness, improve my vision, and finally give me lasting relief.”

Dampi is a 19-year-old girl pursuing her Bachelor's in Political Science from India. Dampi comes from a humble farming family in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Her father works as a farmer and her mother is a homemaker. She is the third of four siblings. One of her brothers has started working independently, while the other two are still studying. Dampi has been living with epilepsy since the age of 10 and has been on medication for the condition ever since. In 2023, after returning home from school, she experienced an epileptic episode while cooking. During the fall, a hot utensil overturned onto her, causing severe burn injuries to her right hand and wrist. Dampi was first taken to another hospital for treatment, but her condition did not improve. Her parents later brought her to G.S Memorial Hospital. Although Dampi tries to remain independent and says she can manage her daily activities, her burn injuries continue to cause physical discomfort and restrictions in her day-to-day life. The condition has affected her mobility and comfort, making treatment and surgery important for improving her quality of life. When Dampi learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, she traveled four hours seeking treatment. On May 21st, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight scar tissue caused by her burn injuries. This will improve her mobility, comfort, and ability to carry out daily activities more easily. The treatment is also expected to reduce pain and discomfort so Dampi can regain greater confidence and independence in her everyday life. Now, G.S. Memorial is requesting $1,442 to fund her procedure. "I am happy that I am finally getting this surgery," shares Dampi.

Nancy is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. She has undergone multiple procedures across different specialties, including pediatric surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic care. Each surgery was a step toward healing, yet each also took a heavy toll on her young body and spirit. Anxiety and fear make the hospital visits deeply distressing for her. Meanwhile, her father, the sole provider for the family, lost his job following a motorbike accident and has been unable to return to work. The emotional toll on Nancy’s parents has been overwhelming. Her father's greatest wish is simple and heartfelt: he longs to see his daughter healed, free from frequent hospital visits, and able to live a normal childhood filled with play, laughter, and possibility. Following five previous procedures, Nancy now requires a colostomy reversal surgery in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. It is the next step in her journey toward healing and normalcy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Nancy. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 5th. Once completed, Nancy should be able to live more comfortably and confidently. Nancy’s father shared, "I never imagined my three-year-old would know so much pain. As a father, all I want is for Nancy to get well, stop coming back to the hospital so often, and live a normal, happy life."

Agness is 59 years old and a farmer from Malawi. She is married with nine children. Eighteen years ago, Agness began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small lump on her neck that grew bigger over time, causing problems with swallowing meals. She visited the nearest hospitals, where she was given some medications after the diagnosis of goiter was made, yet to no avail. With time, she couldn't carry heavy items on her head, concentrate on farm work, and was always tired. She was then referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), for support. Agness was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Agness receive treatment. On March 10th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. "Words fail me; thank you in advance, you have space in heaven; your care has already given me hope that all will be well in the end," Agness said.

Linus is a 29-year-old man from Kenya. Born in a large family of 12 children, Linus was not able to complete his studies as his parents could not afford school fees for Linus and his siblings. He was working as a casual laborer, but jobs were tough and inconsistent. Through hard work, he was able to purchase a second-hand public service vehicle, which provides him with a modest but honest living. Linus has two children, but they are living with their mother, with whom Linus is no longer in communication. On January 13th, Linus's life changed dramatically. He was assaulted with a machete and sustained multiple severe injuries. He suffered fractures of the left distal radius and ulna, open infected fractures of the left distal tibia and fibula, and cortical disruption of the right tibia. He received first aid treatment and was transferred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. Surgeons were able to treat his wounds and fractures on his arm, hand, and ankle. However, Linus still needs contracture release and a skin graft surgery to facilitate healing and regain strength and mobility. He has used up his government medical insurance because of his multiple procedures, and now needs help to raise funds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Linus receive treatment. On February 16th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help him use his hand easily again. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Linus says, "I am in the hospital fighting alone, the people that assaulted me are well known to me, I don't know why they did that to me. I thank God they didn't kill me. Hoping for recovery, please help me."

Paw is a 42-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and four children in a refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand. Her husband is an agricultural day laborer, and all her children go to school in the camp. She is a homemaker. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and helping them with their homework. Paw is pregnant, and doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Paw undergo a C-Section on January 16th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw said, "I do not have money for my surgery. If you can help me with the surgery cost, thank you very much for that. I will also look for a job as a day laborer when my baby grows up in the future."

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.”

Hser is a 60-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, children, and grandchildren in a refugee camp in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. His daughter is a teacher, and one of his sons is a day laborer. Hser and his wife run a small grocery shop in the camp. Every month, they receive money on a cash card from a charity organization in the camp. They also raise chickens and a pig for their own consumption. They receive free basic healthcare in the refugee camp. Since 2021, Hser has had an inguinal hernia. Hser is in a lot of pain. He experiences swelling, as well as a burning and aching sensation, preventing him from performing his daily tasks. Fortunately, on November 10th, 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 Hser's hernia repair surgery. Once completed, Hser will be able to live more comfortably. Hser said, “I would like my discomfort to disappear, and I would like to be able to work properly. I hope my problem will be treated after my surgery."