Maung is a 62-year-old grandfather who lives with his family in a village in the conflict areas of Karen State, Burma. His wife is retired and his daughter is a mother to his three grandchildren who are in nursery school. Maung is a day laborer on a farm, and his son-in-law is a carpenter. However, their combined income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, and they have to borrow money to buy food. In his free time, Maung loves to play with his grandchildren. Two years ago, Maung started to notice pain around his lower abdomen on the right side of his body. He took medicine he received from a local healer. The medicine worked for a while and managed to feel better. However, a few weeks ago, while Maung was working on the farm, the pain came back. He went to the healer but this time his condition did not improve. Two days after the pain arrived, his lower abdomen started to swell. The area has increased in swelling and when he walks he experiences a burning pain. If he coughs or sneezes, the swollen area increases and causes more pain. Maung had decided against going to a clinic or hospital due to his family's financial situation. Fortunately, Maung arrived at the care center of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), where he will be able to receive treatment. The doctor quickly diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia and told him that he needs surgery as soon as possible and scheduled his procedure for June 7th. BCMF is requesting $828 to help fund this procedure to heal his condition. Maung said, "Thank you very much to all the donors and BCMF for helping me to receive treatment. I will not be able to have treatment without your support. My income is not even enough for my family and I always have to borrow money to meet the end of the month. If I have to get treatment by myself, the only way I will have to choose is to suffer as I cannot afford it."

Chivorn is a four-year-old pre-schooler from Kandaal province in Cambodia. As an only child, he stays home with his mother or accompanies her when she goes to work in a hair and nail salon. His father is a welder. Chivorn loves all flavors of ice cream- when his mother lets him have it- and enjoys playing with his toys. In October 2022, Chivorn cut his left little finger when playing around a rickshaw. His parents took him to a local health center, where his wound was sutured. A scar contracture has developed from his wound, tightening the skin around his finger. He is now unable to hold a cup or a pencil, and he feels pain when he tries to bend his finger. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is seeking $495 to fund contracture release surgery for Chivorn, which is scheduled to take place on April 21st at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. After this procedure, Chivorn should regain full use of his finger and hand again. Chivorn's mother said: "We hope that the scar will release and he will be able to move his little finger."

Joseph is a 53-year-old father who practices small-scale farming with his wife. They own a 3-room mud house for shelter. Their firstborn is 30 years old and got married after primary school class seven, while their youngest is 4 years old and in baby junior class. For two years, Joseph has had a hydrocele, or swelling in his groin area. The area of swelling has progressively increased in size. He first thought it was a temporary condition and did not bother seeking treatment. However, it has persisted, and he feels severe pain whenever he is working, making him less productive. Joseph sought treatment and surgery was recommended by his medical team. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. Joseph is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery on August 18th. AMH is requesting $170 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Joseph shared, “After treatment, I will continue with farming to be able to meet my family’s cost of living.”