Agga is a 47-year-old monk from Burma. He lives with other monks at a monastery in Kamma, Thayet Township in Magway Division. Agga was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Agga. The treatment is scheduled to take place on February 22 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Agga said, “I am happy to receive assistance from your organization."

Seng is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She is married. She has two brothers and two sisters. She likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. A year ago, Seng developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Seng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On January 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 want to go the local pagoda and lead an independent life."

Srey Na is a girl from Cambodia. She likes to play with other kids, paint, and watch TV. She is the second of two children. Srey Na is undergoing surgery to relieve pressure in her ear drum, which has caused her hearing loss and chronic nose infections. She and her family traveled for six hours to reach our medical partner's care center. The procedure is scheduled for January 22 and will cost $127. Her mother says, "I hope that this procedure will make me worry less and improve her hearing."

Akankwasa is a farmer from Uganda. She is a mother of seven children. For four years, Akankwasa has had an epigastric hernia. If not treated, the hernia may result to intestinal tissue damage and death. Fortunately, on January 16, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Akankwasa's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. She says, "After surgery I will have peace of mind and resume working in my fields."

Bangirana is a catechist from Uganda. He is married with nine children. For nine years, Bangirana has had bilateral inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him discomfort and makes it difficult for him to work. Fortunately, on December 11, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Bangirana's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Bangirana says, “I hope to be relieved of this after surgery and I get peace of mind thereby continuing to serving God.”

Sopheap is a fish vendor from Cambodia. She has five sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren. She likes to chat with her neighbors when not working. Three years ago, Sopheap developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and irritation. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Sopheap learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sopheap needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for November 12. She says, "I hope my eye surgery is successful so I can continue my business selling fish and I can ride my bike."

Sinat is a mango farmer from Cambodia. She has two daughters, one son, and one grandchild. She likes to watch Thai dramas on TV. Two years ago, Sinat developed entropion. This means that her eyelids turn inward, causing her eyelashes to scrape the surface of her eyes. It is difficult for her to open her eyelids. She experiences blurred vision, irritation, tearing, and itchiness of the eyelids. Sinat traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On November 1, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a corrective procedure to repair her eyelids. Now, Sinat needs help to raise $212 to fund this procedure. She says, "I hope my surgery is a success so I can return home and feel more comfortable."

Kaboha is a clerk from Uganda. He is married and a father of eight children. Since birth, Kaboha has had umbilical hernia. If not treated, the hernia may result in intestinal tissue damage and death. Fortunately, on October 10, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Kaboha's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He says, “After surgery I will resume working as a town clerk.”