Saw Kler is a 14-year-old boy who lives with his parents, three older sisters, and one younger brother, in a village in Karenni State, Burma. Saw Kler’s parents and two of his older sisters are farmers. When he is older, Saw Kler would like to become a minister. Saw Kler stopped going to school two years ago as he began to have frequent seizures. Doctors found that Saw Kler has a heart condition that requires the replacement of two heart valves and the repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Because of his condition, Saw Kler feels tired and has an irregular heart rate, resulting in an inability to walk long distances. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for the complex surgery Saw Kler needs. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on April 9th, and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably, and to have a more active and healthy life ahead. Saw Kler said: “I feel sad when I see my friends are playing football and having fun. I want to play with them, but I cannot run like them, as I always feel tired. I want to continue my studies if my condition improves.”

Dalis is a 12-year-old student from Cambodia. She is from a family of four in Banteay Meanchey province. Her mother works in a clothing factory and her father drives a tuk-tuk taxi. Her favorite subjects are Khmer and mathematics. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher. She likes to eat fried rice, and during her free time, she enjoys bowling with her father. Four years ago, Dalis developed a painful ganglion cyst in her left foot. A ganglion cyst is a benign, jelly-like sac that forms beneath the skin on the top or bottom of the foot. The cyst causes her pain, and she cannot walk properly due to the pain. If it grows too large, it can limit her ability to walk to school or ride her bike. Dalis traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On April 4th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Her family is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise an additional $273 to fund the procedure. Dalis' mother shared, "We hope that our daughter will have no pain and can do daily activities after the surgery."

Elizabeth is a child from Kenya. Elizabeth is the youngest in a family of three children. Her parents separated a few weeks after she was born, and they returned to their ancestral home to stay with their grandparents. They are now living in Gataka town, where they have rented a single-roomed house. To earn a living, her mother sells watermelons to provide for them. Elizabeth injured herself while playing, waiting for her friends to go home after school. She was not in pain at the moment and went home. When she got home, the pain intensified suddenly, and her mother had to rush her to a nearby hospital. She was in excruciating pain and could not use her right hand. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 13th, Elizabeth will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. She will heal properly and continue with schooling. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Elizabeth’s grandmother says, “After all we have been through, it is very painful to see Elizabeth having an injured arm. We really want her to be treated and be well.”