U Thaw is a 43-year-old Buddhist monk from Burma. He has been practicing meditation for two years in Kyaut Khet Village, Myawaddy, Karen State. In February 2019, U Thaw experienced pain on the right side of his abdomen. He also became sick with a high fever and lost his appetite for 20 days. From a doctor, he learned that there is a mass in his liver and that and he needs to undergo a CT scan. Doctors want U Thaw to undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $414 to cover the cost of U Thaw's CT scan and care, scheduled for March 29. U Thaw said, “I can eat a little, but I cannot sleep because of the pain. I have also lost weight. In the future, I want to be healthy and would like to continue practicing meditation because I feel peaceful when I do it.”

John is a man from Kenya. He is a father of two children who are in primary school. A little over a year ago, John sustained a spinal injury when he fell from a tree. He has not been able to afford the necessary care to treat his injury. Now, he has been diagnosed with cervical mylopathy, a degenerative disorder that causes gait imbalance and clumsiness due to a compressed spinal cord. Fortunately, John is now scheduled fo spinal surgery on March 15 to treat this condition. He needs help raising $1,500 to fund this procedure. John says, “My prayer is to be able to walk again and in upright gait. I am really suffering due to this condition."

Rahim is a student from Tanzania. He is seven years old and loves studying math. Rahim was diagnosed with acquired left genu varus, which means his legs bow outwards. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, walking is painful and difficult. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Rahim. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 4. Treatment will hopefully restore Rahim's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Rahim’s stepfather says, “If it’s possible please help us.”