Sai Laung, who is 18 years old, lives with her parents and her younger sister in Shan State in Burma. Sai Laung used to be an agriculture day laborer, but she stopped working in July 2022 due to her illness. In her free time, Sai Laung likes to read Buddhist books and study English online. During the first week of July 2022, Sai Laung began to feel very tired and she developed a fever. At first, she thought it was because she was working a lot, but when she had difficulty breathing a few days later, her mother brought her to the hospital. She was told she might have a congenital heart condition, and the doctor recommended that she have an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis. Sai Laung had an echocardiogram at another hospital, confirming that she has a ventricular septal defect, or a hole in her heart. The doctor advised her to go to the Pun Hlaing Hospital in Yangon to see a cardiologist, which Sai Laung did towards the end of November 2022. During that visit, the doctor also diagnosed her with aortic valve regurgitation, and told her that she needs surgery. Currently, Sai Laung has difficulty breathing and is only able to walk short distances before experiencing fatigue. Performing ordinary household chores like cooking or cleaning is exhausting for her. Her lips turn blue, and she has sharp chest pain, fever, and difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, has stepped in to assist Sai Laung access the care that she needs. On March 7th, she will undergo surgery to repair her heart at Pun Hlaing Hospital. Now Sai Laung and her family need your help to raise the $1,500 to fund this life-saving procedure. “I have felt so sad since I was diagnosed with this [heart disease]. I need surgery and we have no money. I look at my parents and I pity them because they work so hard to help me get treatment. I want to recover quickly and go back to work so I can help my parents with the extra income. When I learned that there are donors who will help pay for my treatment cost, I felt so happy," said Sai Luang.

Htwe is a 12-year-old student from Thailand. He lives with his uncle's family, while his parents work in Bangkok. He enjoys playing football with his friends. Two years ago, Htwe's right eyelid became swollen and red, and by July 2021, the swelling worsened. He was able to feel a small mass in his right eyelid and developed double vision. Htwe was diagnosed with a cyst in his right eyelid. The doctor planned to surgically remove the cyst in early February, but he decided to postpone the surgery because he was worried about what was causing Htwe's symptoms. Doctors want Htwe to undergo a CT scan so that they can diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is requesting $414 to cover the cost of Htwe's CT scan and care, scheduled for February 20th. Htwe said, “I have difficulty studying and doing my homework because I cannot see clearly."

San is a 26-year-old factory worker who lives with his wife and five-year-old daughter in Kandal province in Cambodia. His wife is employed at the same factory where San works. In March 2023, San was the victim of an attempted robbery, during which the left side of his neck was injured. He was treated at a local hospital, where surgeons attempted to do a nerve transfer. However, the doctors told San that his condition would require further investigation and treatment. San was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, where he was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in a loss of function and sensation. Currently, San can't move his arm and his left hand is paralyzed. He also experiences a great deal of pain and is unable to work or care for himself. With assistance from the Children's Surgical Centre, San is now scheduled to undergo brachial plexus repair surgery on May 9th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the only facility in the country where this surgery is available. After he has recovered, San hopes to be able to use his arm and hand again. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. San said: "I'm hoping to regain movement in my arm and to get back to work."