Myint is a 27-year-old woman from Karen State, Burma. She moved to Thailand to be with her sister. Myint's sister works in sales and her brother-in-law works in construction. In her free time, Myint likes to listen to Burmese songs and studies Thai language online to learn to speak and read. Myint was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own as the person grows, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Because of this condition, Myint has difficulty breathing and tires easily. She feels pain in her chest and other parts of her body and has difficulty sleeping. Myint is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on April 12th at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital to correct her atrial septal defect. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Myint's procedure and care. Myint said, “I am so happy and thankful for all the donors and BCMF for helping with my heart surgery because I would not be able to afford it. I hope I will recover soon and when I am better, I want to work and save some money to go back to stay with my father.”

Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."

Sotey is a 16-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his grandparents and his younger brother. His grandparents work as rice farmers, and his parents work on a pig farm just over the Thai border. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Sotey has been attending a school for children with disabilities for the last several years. Inspired by his teachers, he would like to become a teacher and work at the school in the future. Sotey likes reading in his free time and eating his grandmother's amazing chicken soup! About one month ago, Sotey had a fall and dislocated his left hip. Before the fall, he could walk independently, with intermittent use of a walker. For the last month since the accident, he has been in a wheelchair due to pain and frequent falling when attempting to stand. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On March 6th, Sotey will undergo a fracture repair procedure to help him walk again. CSC is requesting $483 to fund this surgery. Sotey contributed $100 to his care. Sotey's teacher accompanied him on the six-hour journey to CSC. She shared with our team: "I hope he can stand on his own again. We want him to feel happiness about the future."