Meet Sara, a seven-year-old girl from Bolivia! She lives with her mom, dad, and little sister. Sara loves math, arts, painting, dancing, and singing. She is very extroverted; she makes friends easily. Sara has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. On January 15th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will sew a patch over the hole to close it, so that blood can no longer leak through. Sara'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. Sara shared, "I love to paint! As a matter of fact, I painted something so well, that my teacher congratulated me. I am looking forward to painting much more after my surgery."

Ligitina is a 55-year-old widow from Malawi who earns a living through farm work and piecework. She has three independent adult children. She enjoys chatting with her children. For two years, Ligitina has been experiencing bleeding, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and anemia. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs a hysterectomy, a procedure where surgeons will remove her uterus, to relieve her of her symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Ligitina's surgery. On December 13th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Ligitina will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Ligitina said,” I have faith that I will get better after surgery because my life is getting bad on a daily basis. Kindly help me.”

Daw Khin is a 60-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband in Tak Province, Thailand. They moved to Thailand in search of better job opportunities. Currently, she is a street vendor selling onions and her husband is a homemaker. Her monthly income is just enough for their monthly expenses. In the future, she wants to open a shop selling Mohinga, a type of Burmese soup. Since 2021, Daw Khin has been experiencing a sensation of her uterus bulging, lower back pain, and discomfort when sitting, standing or passing urine. She has been diagnosed with uterine prolapse, and advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Daw Khin's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Daw Khin is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on November 26th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, She will no longer experience any discomfort or pain. Daw Khin said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to BCMF and the generous donors. Your support means the world to me, and thanks to you, I am receiving treatment that I could never afford on my own. You are truly saving my life.”

Faith is a 12-year-old girl from a village in Nyandarua County, Kenya. She is the second born in a family of two children. Faith's mother works as a vendor, selling fresh vegetables in the village, while her father does casual carpentry work to support their household. Faith was born with cerebral palsy and a misalignment in her right foot. Although she can sit on her own, she has been unable to stand or walk without support. After tirelessly seeking help at various hospitals, Faith's mother finally brought her to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE International Hospital. On October 22nd, Faith is scheduled to undergo a crucial surgery that will help correct her condition and dramatically improve her quality of life. With the ability to stand and walk, she will finally have the chance to enroll in school, unlocking a world of opportunity for her future. It will also bring immense joy to her mother, allowing her the opportunity to hopefully expand her business. Now, Faith's family needs help to fund this $1,224 procedure. With a hopeful heart, Faith's mother shares, “My deepest wish is to see Faith walking like other girls and living a joyful, fulfilling life, just like any other child.”

Jennifer is a single parent from the Philippines. Jennifer lives with her mother and son. She works as an office staff and serves as the main provider for her family. Her mother receives a small monthly pension and helps her with the family expenses. Jennifer loves doing household chores in her free time. One year ago, Jennifer began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain on the abdominal side of her body that affected her back. Jennifer was diagnosed with chronic calculous cholecystitis or gallstones. Jennifer has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Jennifer is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 14th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Jennifer's surgery and care. Jennifer says "Thank you very much to all of you who will donate for my surgery. Thank you very much for your generosity. This will greatly affect our lives as I will be able to function better as a daughter and a mother."

Naw Hser is a 21-year-old woman, currently living in a refugee camp in Thailand with her husband, son, parents-in-law, and two brothers-in-law. She is originally from Karen State in Myanmar, and has been at the refugee camp since March 2020. Her plans to return to Myanmar after visiting her brother were interrupted by unexpected COVID-19 travel restrictions and the ensuing civil war, leaving her far away from her home. Presently, her husband works twice a week as a laborer, unloading food rations from trucks. Naw Hser and her parents-in-law manage the household, while one of her brothers-in-law is a student and the other works as a day laborer. Her husband's aunt, who lives in the US sends them 3,300 baht (approx. 100 USD) once a year. They also receive 1,172 baht (approx. 39 USD) on a cash card every month from The Border Consortium. Their total monthly income of 3,047 baht (approx. 102 USD) is hardly enough to cover their basic needs. They receive free basic health care in the hospital in the refugee camp. Naw Hser is currently expecting her second child. Due to a higher-risk pregnancy, her doctors have recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Naw Hser undergo a C-Section on August 14th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Hser needs your support. Naw Hser says: "I aspire to become an assistant teacher at a nursery school in the future."

Saw Tay is a 41-year-old man from Burma, living in a refugee camp in Thailand. Saw Tay used to work as a day laborer in a nearby village, but because of his health concerns, he has been unable to work. Saw Tay's wife is a community health worker, and his three children attend the camp school. One year ago, Saw Tay developed an irreducible inguinal hernia. This causes him discomfort and he has not been able to work for the past few months. Fortunately, on July 18th, Saw Tay will undergo corrective surgery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,486 to fund this procedure. Following the surgery, his symptoms will be alleviated, allowing him to live more comfortably. Saw Tay said, “I would like to feel better and free from discomfort of pain and I would like to work properly again. I am hoping to recover after I receive surgery.”

Abduselam is a playful two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. His mother is a home-maker who lost her parents when she was a child, and was brought up by relatives. She left Ethiopia at the age of fifteen, worked in Saudi Arabia for twelve years, and built the house where she and her family currently reside using the money she earned abroad. She built an additional three rooms that she presently rents out, and uses the income to support her family's basic needs. Abduselam's father farms in the family's ancestral land, and his parents live together with his wife and children in one household. For fun, Abduselam enjoys playing in the mud with other with other children in the neighborhood. Abduselam was born with hypospadias, a condition in which the urinary opening is not at the usual location, causing urinary dysfunction. Abduselam was born while his family was living as internally displaced persons during the war in Tigray, and his mother noticed the condition when he was three months old. She took him to local hospitals and he was put on long treatment waiting lists. While waiting for her son to receive treatment, Abduselam's mother heard that another child with the same condition had received treatment at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Center (BKMCM). She managed to get connected to a social worker at BKMCM, and a relative paid for their transportation to the hospital. Abduselam's mother is presently worried, but is hopeful that her child will receive the medical treatment he needs. Without surgical correction, Abduselam will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms, and is at risk for infertility. Fortunately, Abduselam is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Abduselam's mother says, “I hope he will get the surgery that he needs and fully recover, so that he can have a normal childhood.”

Thaw is a two-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents and elder sister in Zee Kone Village, but his family migrated to Thailand four months ago to seek better job opportunities. His father works as an agricultural day labourer, while his mother is a homemaker. Thaw’s elder brother and sister take turns working as agricultural day labourers. Thaw’s mother carefully manages their income, and their combined family income is enough to cover their daily basic expenses. Thaw receives free healthcare services at Mae Tao Clinic (MTC). On 2 July 2021, Thaw was born through emergency caesarean section. His mother noticed on the following day, while cleaning Thaw’s body, that he was born with a worrying condition that makes it challenging to go to the bathroom. Thaw’s mother immediately informed the doctor, who then referred Thaw to hospital in Ayeyarwady Division. Unfortunately, due to a lack of facilities, he did not receive the necessary treatment at this hospital. He was subsequently recommended to go to Yangon Hospital. However, due to financial limitations, Thaw’s mother could not afford to take him to Yangon Hospital, leading her to cease efforts to seek Thaw’s treatment. Fortunately, Thaw was able to defecate through a fistula however Thaw began to experience troubling symptoms, including at present, Thaw is passing stool through the fistula, experiencing constipation with bowel movements occurring every four or five days, with a distended abdomen. Thaw has been diagnosed with imperforate anus with fistula and his doctors recommend a colostomy. A colostomy is a surgery that creates an opening for the colon through the abdomen. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1500 to fund Thaw's surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital scheduled January 31st. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully alleviate him symptoms. Thaw’s mother expressed her concerns saying, “I want my son to have a healthy, long life. I was always worried about him, and he couldn’t receive treatment due to lack of money. Now, with the help of BCMF and donors, he can undergo surgery. Thank you."

Ronan is a hardworking father from the Philippines. He lives with his partner and their two children. Ronan works as a kitchen assistant, while also taking on side jobs to better provide for his family. Since he was in third grade, Ronan has dealt with an indirect inguinal hernia. His family consulted with doctors when he was a child, however, he was never able to have surgery. In the meantime, he lives with constant pain and is limited in the activities in which he can engage, which affects his ability to work. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is seeking $1,103 to fund Ronan's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled to take place on April 26th, at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Ronan said: "I thank everyone who is willing to help me with my condition. This will definitely be life-changing. I am very excited so thank you very much for your help and generosity."

Kyaw is a 5-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, grandmother, and older sister. Kyaw’s father supports the family as a Wi-Fi technician, while his mother and grandmother take care of the household. Recently, Kyaw started nursery school. During his free time, he likes to play football with his friends and ride his bicycle. In June 2023, while playing outside with his friends, Kyaw was accidentally hit by a friend and injured his left eye. Since then, Kyaw began to experience blurring and watering in his left eye, sensitivity to light, accompanied by pain, itching, and redness around the eye. These symptoms have made it increasingly difficult for him to see clearly. Kyaw was diagnosed with retinal detachment, a condition in which the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue in the eye, resulting in vision loss. If left untreated, he could lose his vision completely. Kyaw is scheduled to undergo surgery to reattach his retina on March 11th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. After his surgery, Kyaw's vision will hopefully be restored and he can resume his daily activities comfortably. Kyaw’s mother said, “I am very thankful to BCMF and their donors. It was very difficult to find an organization that would help with the cost of treatment. It is good to know I can depend on others for support like this, without you, it would be very difficult for me to help my son.”

Khryzanelle is a loving mother from Philippines. Khryzanelle, her husband and their baby live with her mother and father. Her husband works as a service staff at a local restaurant and her father works as a security guard. She spends her days mostly taking care of her two year old baby. Three years ago, Khryzanelle began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain. At first she thought that it was related to her pregnancy. Three months after giving birth, the pain returned and lasted for a week. She decided to seek medical attention and through ultrasound, she was diagnosed with gallstones. Khryzanelle has been advised to undergo gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Khryzanelle was able to schedule her surgery. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Khryzanelle's surgery and care. Khryzanelle shared "This free surgery will not only help me but my husband and my father. There is no way we can afford this surgery so I am very grateful for your help. Thank you and may God bless you and your families."