Nay Kaw is an 11-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, two older brothers and two younger sisters in a village in Karen State. Nay Kaw and his sister are both students. He is a grade one student since leaving the monkhood last year. His father is a farmer. Nay Kaw was born with a small mass on his right wrist. Once Nay Kaw's mother was able to save up and send him to Mae Tao Clinic for treatment in Thailand, Nay Kaw had the mass surgically removed in July at Mae Sot Hospital. After surgery, the biopsy revealed that the mass was caused by a hemangioma. As a result of this, the doctor referred him for further treatment in nearby Chiang Mai. Since his surgery, the pain in his wrist has decreased. However, if something touches his right wrist or if he has to carry something heavy in his right hand, he is in a lot of pain. Doctors want Nay Kaw to undergo an MRI, an imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of bodily organs. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $814 to cover the cost of Nay Kaw's MRI and care, scheduled for October 8th. "I want my right hand to be normal and I do not want to have an unusually large wrist," he said. "If the pain in my hand decreases, I will help my mother with the housework. If my hand will be without pain and I will be able to play with my friends at school, I will be happy with my friends again. In the future I will go school and become a good person."

Kyarisiima is a trader from Uganda. She is a mother to five children who are all still in school. She earns a living from her small business selling groceries, such as tomatoes, onions and green papers. She and her husband live in a small house with two rooms. Kyarisiima has experienced swelling on the right side of her neck for over seven years. She has difficulty bending over to wash, swallowing, and reports that her throat gets easily irritated. She recently traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. Fortunately, on June 22, her surgeons will remove the mass. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for $206 to fund this procedure. Kyarisiima shared, “I hope to get treated and get rid of this disfigurement. I will resume my business once I am healthy again.”

Pisal is a 25-year-old electrician from Cambodia. Pisal married his wife four months ago and they are now expecting their first child together. His wife works in a factory. Pisal enjoys playing football, exercising, listening to music, and helping his family with cooking and cleaning. In September 2020, Pisal was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a closed fracture of his left forearm. First he sought treatment at a Khmer traditional healer who provided a bamboo sling. This treatment was not successful and he is still in pain. He experiences pain and swelling, and it is still very difficult for him to use his left arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 14th, Pisal will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $465. This procedure will heal his fracture and allow him to use left arm again without pain. Pisal said, "I hope after surgery my left arm is back to normal so I can get back to work and prepare for my child to be born."

Ivan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He loves playing with his friends, and doesn’t like staying indoors - sometimes, his mother has to force him to rest when he wants to play. Ivan is unable to use his right hand after being involved in a fire accident earlier this year in April. Ivan was outside playing with his friends, and his mother had put a pot of beans cooking on the stove. When it started raining, Ivan came back running into the house and slipped on the wet floor. His right hand went into the pot, burning him badly. Ivan's family took him to the hospital right away for treatment. It took time for his wounds to heal but eventually, they did. However, the burns healed with contractures, which make him unable to straighten his fingers and limit movement around his wrist. Ivan has been scheduled to have surgery, but his parents are unable to afford the treatment cost. Both of his parents have a small business of making and selling local soap, and they also make a living by selling fish. Their income is small, and they do not earn enough for Ivan's cost of care. They appeal for financial support. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Ivan receive treatment. On December 11th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to allow Ivan to use his hand with ease. Once healed, he will be able to use his hand to care for himself, and learn to write when he starts school. Now, he needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Ivan’s mother shared, “Please help my son to get this treatment so that he can be able to write when he starts school. I am not able to afford his needed treatment, please help us."

Sabayido is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is married with three children, all in school studying in fourth grade, second grade, and preschool. His wife is a secretary at Teachers’ Sacco while he does small-scale farming. Sabayido finished his first degree in 2001 at Kyamboga University in Industrial Art and pursued a bachelors degree in Development Studies but he is still hasn't been able to find employment in this field. Sabayido presented at the hospital with a swelling on his forehead that he has had for over a year. On August 11th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Sabayido needs help to raise $196 to fund this procedure. Sabayido says, “I look forward to smiling after the relief of this disfigurement and I will continue with farming and look for other work as well.”