U Min is a 49-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, son, and daughter. He and his son work as day laborers. His wife stays home to look after household chores, while his daughter studies in grade school. About a month ago, U Min's right heel was injured while he was getting off from the tractor he was driving at work. It was very painful that he went to a clinic in his village to receive treatment. However, his condition did not improved with the treatment, and the wound worsened day by day. He was then advised by the health workers at his village to go to Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH) for further treatment. At MCLH, the doctor did detail assessment of U Min's condition and said that because of his injury, the blood supply to his heel was insufficient. His wound by then has turned into black color, as the tissues around his heel were damaged and have died, and it causes him severe pain, especially at night. Since the doctor could no longer help to make his ulcer healed by treatments, the only option is to do a below knee amputation. U Min said, "It's so painful that I can't bear it anymore. I just want to receive surgery as soon as possible."

This past June, 30-year-old Yuos was hit by car while driving his motorcycle, leaving him with a broken right leg. The father from Cambodia shares some of the impact his injury is having on his life: “It is difficult to walk since my accident and I can't work." “Yuos is married with two sons,” says our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “In his free time he enjoys watching the TV news channel, listening to traditional Khmer songs, and watching sports.” To support his family, Yuos earns a modest income as a construction worker. Immediately following his injury, Yuos received two weeks of hospital care but his condition did not improve. After funding his first attempt at treatment, Yuos is now unable to afford the surgery he needs. For $405, Yuos will receive an open reduction and internal fixation procedure to surgically repair his broken femur. During this two-stage operation, Yuos’ broken bones will be reset before being casted into position using metal rods and screws. “I hope after surgery I can walk without pain. After I am healed I hope I can go back to work to support my family again," Yuos shares. His wife adds, “I hope my husband can walk by himself and not need any help from me getting around after surgery."