Meseret is a brave 24-year-old woman from Ethiopia who is independent and works hard in the flower industry to make a living. Since she was two years old, she has lived with the effects of a serious burn accident. Because her family could only provide basic care at home when it happened, her scars have become very tight over the years. This tightness has pulled her skin so much that she can no longer move her arm or hand freely, making her daily manual labor much more difficult. Twenty-two years ago, as a young child, Meseret suffered a traumatic burn after falling into a fire. Due to a lack of immediate medical access at the time, the injury was managed exclusively with traditional home remedies rather than clinical hospital care. Working in the flower industry is physically demanding for Meseret. It requires constant reaching, careful sorting, and a steady hand needed to pluck petals or apply protective chemicals. For this young woman, the tightness in her skin is a major daily hurdle that affects her speed and physical comfort. Even though Meseret has struggled to move easily for a long time, she is incredibly determined. She consistently pushes herself to do extra work, hoping to show her supervisors that she is a hardworking staff member and to ensure her job is secure every single day. When Meseret learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, she traveled for many hours to seek treatment. Fortunately, Meseret will receive treatment on March 19th. The surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore a natural range of motion, which will be a life-changing milestone, marking the first time since she was a toddler that her limb has moved without restriction. This change will allow Meseret to fulfill her duties in the flower field without the persistent physical strain caused by the contractures. For her, this surgery is the key to finally working with comfort and moving her body the way it was meant to move. Now, our medical partner is requesting $500 to fund this procedure. "I have lived so long with these struggles that I forgot what it feels like to be whole. I am so excited to finally do the things that used to be impossible for me. I want to work in the fields and move my arm freely, leaving behind the pain and the limits that have defined my life since I was a child," said Meseret.

Kyaw Yin is a 28-year-old man from Burma. He moved to Thailand in search of job opportunities to support his family. He previously worked in a factory, earning a modest income that helped cover his living expenses and allowed him to send financial support back home. Kyaw Yin was born with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. Due to this condition, he experiences fatigue during exertion and is unable to lift or carry heavy objects. He has recently stopped working to focus on his treatment and will undergo surgery to close the ductus arteriosus. After surgery, he hopes to return to work and eventually open a phone repair shop. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Kyaw Yin receive heart surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 7th and, once completed, is expected to improve his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. Kyaw Yin needs help raising $1,500 to fund his procedure and care. Kyaw Yin said, “Thanks to the donors for providing me with financial support. Without your help, I would face serious financial difficulties, as I cannot afford the surgery cost. Thank you so much for helping me.”

Yong is an 85-year-old woman from Kampong Thom province. She is a retired rice farmer who has three sons, three daughters, and eleven grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who is retired, and her eldest daughter, who is also a retired farmer. Her favorite hobbies are attending ceremonies and visiting the pagoda. About one year ago, Yong developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Yong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Yong said, "I hope that after my surgery, my vision will improve so that I can easily recognize my relatives and go out independently. I also hope I will no longer have to worry about my eyesight."