Lydia finished high school last year and has dreams of attending university, but she started experiencing some pain in her abdomen last December. She experienced the pain for one month before going to the hospital for an examination. After an abdomen CT scan, Lydia was diagnosed with Cystic liver disease. She was booked for surgery after the family raised enough money through fundraising. During the surgery, Lydia experienced complications when anesthesia was being administered and the surgery had to be cancelled. She was admitted to the ICU for a few days, recovered, and was discharged, but all the money her family raised was used to pay the hospital bill, and the family had to get a loan to clear the bill. While at home, Lydia recovered well, and during the last clinic review, she was finally ready for liver surgery. Their family has completely exhausted their funds and is appealing for any financial help to facilitate their daughter's treatment, hoping that after her complete healing, she can pursue her dreams. Lydia shared, “I really want to be helpful at home and maybe get a job to help my family but I can’t. This condition is very painful. I hope I will be treated soon enough and recover well.”

Naw Say, a 30-year-old woman, resides in a refugee camp located in Mae Hong Son Province with her husband and daughter. Originally from Burma, they sought refuge in 2010 due to conflict in their homeland. Naw Say works as a nurse in the camp while her husband is employed as a day laborer in a nearby Thai village. They receive a monthly cash card payment of 848 baht (approximately 28 USD) from The Border Consortium, which barely covers their daily expenses. The organization Malteser International (MI) Thailand provides them with essential healthcare services at the camp's hospital. In her leisure time, Naw Say enjoys sewing clothes for her family. Currently pregnant with her second child, Naw Say's doctors have advised her to undergo a scheduled cesarean section (C-Section). This recommendation is based on her previous childbirth experience where her first baby's head couldn't pass through her pelvis opening, necessitating an emergency C-Section. Our partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping facilitate Naw Say's C-Section procedure on August 5th, and is requesting $1500 to help fund the procedure. Naw Say is in need of your support for this important medical procedure. Naw Say said, “I want to have a boy this time because I already have a daughter. I love being a nurse and I enjoy taking care of people who are sick."

Daw Kyi is a 66-year-old woman who lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in Ayarwaddy Division, Burma. Daw Kyi is retired, and her daughter is a homemaker. Her granddaughter is a student, and her son-in-law works as a taxi driver, but his income is insufficient to cover their family's basic needs or basic health care. Last year, she became aware of blurred vision in her right eye. However, she dismissed it as normal. By last December, her condition worsened, resulting in impaired vision and excessive tearing in her right eye. She confided in her daughter, who promptly took her to the nearest hospital. There, she underwent an eye examination and was diagnosed with a cataract in her right eye. Surprisingly, the doctor did not recommend surgery but instead prescribed eye drops and oral medication for one month. Unfortunately, her symptoms did not improve, and due to financial constraints, she could not return to the hospital for further treatment and did not seek medical care after that. On May 27th, 2023, she became increasingly aware that her condition was deteriorating. Her vision was becoming significantly more blurred, to the point where she could only perceive things faintly. Despite being aware of her worsening condition and the likelihood of requiring surgery, she faced the unfortunate reality that she could not afford the cost of the necessary medical treatment. As a result, she decided to avoid going to the hospital. Currently, Daw Kyi has tearing and blurred vision in her right eye. She will need someone to guide her while walking long distances and on the way to the bathroom. She feels sad and depressed since she can not see clearly and can not pay for surgery even though she wants to get treatment. Thankfully, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is determined to help restore Daw Kyi's vision by performing a lens replacement surgery. To make this possible, they are reaching out for your support in funding the procedure, which amounts to $769. Your contribution would play a significant role in enabling Daw Kyi to regain her vision and improve her quality of life. Daw Kyi said, "In the future, after seeing again, I will go back and look after my granddaughter and stay with my daughter at home."

Victoria is a 21-year-old married woman from Kafwetsera Village, Lilongwe District, in Mozambique. She and her husband have two young children who are not yet in school. The family depends upon growing maize for their income. Since January 2023, Victoria has been experiencing painful swelling in her abdomen. She visited two health centers in her area, where she was given medication that did nothing to relieve her discomfort. Victoria then decided to come to Malawi to seek medical help. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Victoria to access treatment for an epigastric hernia. On May 9th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, which will alleviate her pain and prevent dangerous complications from occurring in the future. Now she needs your help to raise $421 to fund this life-changing procedure. Victoria says: "I am glad that help has been found. Thank you SAFE for this great opportunity."

Zoe, who is six months old, lives with her parents and two older sisters in La Paz, Bolivia. Her father is a dentist, while her mother stays home to take care of the children. When Zoe was born, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome and patent ductus arteriosus, a condition where there is a hole between two major blood vessels near the heart. As a result of this condition, blood leaks through the hole, leaving her weak and unable to gain weight, as her blood isn't properly oxygenated. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund surgery to correct Zoe's condition. The operation is scheduled for April 19th at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría, where doctors will sew the hole shut, allowing for her blood to flow completely through her heart. Zoe should grow stronger after she has recovered from surgery. Zoe's mother said: "Our family is very hopeful that Zoe will gain an appetite and become stronger after her surgery!"

Sospeter is a toddler from Kenya. He is the youngest in a family of three children. He is being raised by a single mother who is the breadwinner. His mother makes and sells readymade food at construction sites. Income from this venture is inconsistent and their family does not have medical coverage. In December 2022, Sospeter sustained hot water burns on his stomach and thigh. He was taken to the nearest district hospital after the accident, where he was treated for burns and later discharged back home. Burn contractures and a massive keloid have developed on his abdomen. He often itches the area and feels very uncomfortable. His mother has been unable to take him to a hospital due to a lack of funds. In September 2023, a mobile team visited their area; they reviewed him and advised them to visit Kijabe Hospital for review. His mother pooled resources and visited the plastic surgery clinic. Surgery was recommended, but the family is financially constrained and unable to afford the proposed cost of the treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sospeter receive treatment. On October 13th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to relieve him of the itchiness and discomfort associated with the wound; thus, he will be able to live a normal and quality life. Now, their family needs help to fund his procedure and care. Sospeter's mother says, “My child is in pain. Look at the way he cannot stop crying and scratching himself. It hurts to see him this uncomfortable. Please help.”

Junel is a loving father from the Philippines who lives with his mother, his partner, and their one-year-old daughter. To support their family, Junel works as a nursing aide and his partner is a dietician. Since 2017, Junel has experienced troubling symptoms including abdominal pain and feeling bloated. Most recently in February, Junel experienced severe abdominal pain that required medical attention. His ultrasound revealed that he was suffering from gallstones, and he will need to undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder to prevent worsening symptoms and/or future health complications. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Junel is scheduled to undergo his gallbladder surgery on March 8th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is looking to help raise $1,128 to cover the remaining cost of Junel's surgery and care. Junel shared: "My medical condition is a burden to me and my family. I have to miss going to work whenever the pain attacks, and that will cost my whole day's salary. Fortunately, WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines are willing to help me. I couldn't thank you enough for your generosity. I'm eternally grateful for all your help!"

Linn's Baby is a four-day-old girl who lives with her parents and three older sisters in a village in Thailand. She is so young, that she is not yet named. Her parents are day laborers. Linn's Baby was born with multiple health challenges including Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. In addition, her mother noticed that she wasn't passing stool, and when the doctors examined her, they discovered that she also has a condition known as imperforate anus. What this means is that Linn's Baby was born without an opening, which is a birth condition that occurs while the fetus is still developing in the womb. To address her condition, Linn's Baby will undergo surgery on August 4th at Mae Sot General Hospital, to place a colostomy, that will allow her to pass stool until she grows bigger and stronger, and better able to tolerate additional surgeries. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is seeking $1,500 to cover the costs of this procedure. Her mother said: "I cannot watch my daughter suffer from these conditions. I think she is crying because she wants breastmilk. She is my first baby born with such conditions. My other daughters are all healthy. I feel very sad for her.”

Hlaing is a 55-year-old man from Thailand who lives with his wife, two sons, mother-in-law, and grandson. He is a construction worker, but he stopped working five months ago due to his health deteriorating. In his free time, Hlaing enjoys listening to music and taking walks in the forest to gather wood for the house. In February, Hlaing noticed a mass developing in his right nostril, which has grown big enough to block the nostril completely. He experiences difficulty breathing due to his right nostril being obstructed by the mass, has persistent coughing and loss of appetite, and sometimes has hot and watery eyes. He underwent a CT scan and was diagnosed with an inverted papilloma in his right nasal cavity, meaning that he has a non-cancerous tumor in the right side of his nose. Hlaing sought treatment through our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) and is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the mass from his nose on July 12th. Hlaing and his family need help to raise $1,500 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Hlaing said, “Thank you BCMF and the donors for paying for my treatment. I can’t afford it by myself. I have wanted to receive the surgery. I am happy to get support from you.”

Saw Ywa, who is an eight year old fourth grader, lives with his parents, his two sisters, and a brother, in Mae Ra Ma Luang Refugee Camp in Thailand. His mother helps at home, while his father works for an organization in the refugee camp. Saw Ywa loves to go to school, and to play football. When Saw Ywa was two months old, his mother noticed a concerning swelling. His parents brought him to the clinic in the refugee camp, where they were told to bring Saw Ywa back when he was five years old, and at an appropriate age for surgery they were told. Over time, Saw Ywa’s parents noticed that the swelling was increasing in size. He would also experience pain sometimes. is parents brought him back to the clinic, and after another examination, Saw Ywa was diagnosed with an irreducible inguinal hernia, which would require surgery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is seeking $1,486 to fund the hernia repair surgery that Saw Ywa needs. The procedure is currently scheduled for May 18th, at Mae Sariang Hospital. After he has recovered, Saw Ywa should no longer suffer from the pain that he lives with now. He should also be able to walk comfortably, and to be free of the embarrassment he feels by the visible bulge in a sensitive area. Saw Ywa’s father said: “He loves to play football with his friends. But sometimes, he feels ashamed to play because his friends will make fun of him. I hope after surgery he will be free from discomfort and shame.”

Ly is a 48-year-old rice farmer living with her two sons and two daughters in Kandal province in Cambodia. Ly was widowed six years ago and, ever since their father's death, the oldest two children work as motorcycle and bicycle repairmen to help their mother provide for the family. One year ago, Ly suffered from an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. As a result, Ly experiences ear discharge, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Despite using ear drops, Ly has not seen any improvement in her condition, and now she has also developed polyps. It is difficult for her to hear or communicate with others. Ly traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, hoping to be treated. On May 9th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy on her right ear at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $926 to fund this procedure and all of the necessary medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Ly said: "After surgery, I will be able to hear and the ear discharge will stop."