She lives with her parents in Karen State, Burma. She now works at Kyaw Hta Rural Clinic, 45 minutes away by motorbike from her village and earns 70,000 Kyat (approx. 70 USD) per month. Her parents are farmers and their total income is 100,000 kyat (approx. 100 USD) per month. Their income is just enough for their daily needs. Around eight years ago, Cherry developed pain in the right side of her abdomen. She went to the clinic near her village. At the clinic, the medic thought that she was suffering from normal stomachaches. Since the clinic did not have the necessary equipment to run diagnostic tests, the medic treated her for the pain. She received pain killers and when the pain was worse, a stronger does of pain killers through an injection. In May 2019, she was completing her training with Mae Tao Clinic (MTC), when the pain in her abdomen became worse. She received an ultrasound and painkillers at the clinic, before she was diagnosed with a renal stone in her right kidney. MTC then referred her to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) for further investigation and treatment. At the hospital, she received an X-ray, ultrasound and a blood test, as well as oral medication for the pain. After checking her results, the doctor confirmed her diagnosis and told her that she needs to receive laser treatment two to three times, to break up the stone in her kidney. She received her first round of laser treatment on 7 August 2019. To pay for that, she had to borrow money from her supervisor and her neighbor. She was scheduled to undergo a second round of treatment on 18 September 2019, but she could no longer afford to pay. Luckily, MTC referred her to Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) for assistance in accessing further treatment. Currently, Cherry still has pain in the right side of her abdomen. She is interested in the field of medicine and enjoys learning new things related to this field in her free time.

Muntha is an 80-year-old mother of four from Cambodia. She has fifteen grandchildren, and enjoys listening to the radio, watching Khmer movies on television, and looking after her grandchildren. One year ago, Muntha developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Muntha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. On August 7, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $398 procedure. She says, "I hope that my surgery will allow me to see again and be able to take care of my grandchildren."

Vichhai is a 31-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. In his free time he likes to go on walks with his family, watch television, feed the animals, and help his family with the work around the house. In March 2019, Vichhai suffered injuries to his right ankle resulting from an accident at work. He is unable to walk without support and often experiences pain. When Vichhai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for over ten hours seeking treatment. On July 10, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his right ankle and will help him walk again without difficulty. Now, Vichhai needs help to fund this $480 procedure. He says, "I hope that after my surgery, I will have no pain and can walk again and return to work."

Juliet is a child from Kenya. She is the youngest child in her family. Juliet was burned by a pot of boiling water. She spent seven weeks in the hospital and underwent three skin graft surgeries. Her hand has healed with contractures and needs treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Juliet receive treatment. On June 20, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her use her hand freely. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,176 procedure. Herr mother says, “I wish to see Juliet growing as a normal child."

Patrick is a child from Tanzania. He is the first born child in a family of two children. He is a playful boy and currently in kindergarten. Patrick was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. His legs are bowed inward so that his knees touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty walking and is in pain. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Patrick. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 16. Treatment will hopefully restore Patrick's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Patrick’s mother says, “My son’s legs have been worsening as days go by please help treat my son.”

Mu Lu is a 40-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her family in Thay Ka Tay Village, Kawkareik Township, Karen State. She is a homemaker. Five months ago, Mu Lu started to experience problems with the right side of the top of her throat, when her right salivary gland became swollen. Then the pain worsened, and she had ringing in her ear. She tried to cure herself with traditional medicine, but the pain never disappeared. Doctors want Mu Lu to undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose her condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $414 to cover the cost of Mu Lu's CT scan and care, scheduled for April 26. Mu Lu said, “When I got better, I want to go back to my village and live with my family happily. I can help them by cooking and feeding the pigs or chickens. When the animals are mature, I will sell them to pay back my debt.”

Damaris is a toddler from Kenya. She is an active three-year-old girl. She lives with her parents and three elder siblings. Damaris was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Damaris is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on March 7. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,327 to cover the total cost of Damaris's procedure and care. After her recovery, Damaris will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. “I am glad I could get help from you,” says Damaris’s mother.

Suon is a 29-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He likes listening to music and playing soccer in his free time. One year ago, Suon suffered from a motorcycle accident that injured his right hand. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. Suon is unable to take care of his family and make any money because he is unable to work. Suon traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 11, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, He will be able to use his hand again and go back to work. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $637 to fund this procedure. He says, "After surgery, I hope that I can use my hands and go back to my construction work."