Myo is a 43-year-old man from Thailand. He lives with his wife and three children in Tak Province. Myo used to work as a construction worker. However, he stopped working last year because of his health condition. His wife makes snacks and sells them in the community. Myo has a heart condition that requires the replacement of his aortic and mitral 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 this condition, Myo experiences chest and back pains and shortness of breath. He has difficulty breathing and is unable to sleep well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for this complex surgery. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on March 13th. After the surgery, Myo is expected to live more comfortably and have a more active life. Myo said, “I feel sad for my family because I can not support them. After my wife gave birth to my youngest daughter, my neighbor helped us with some food and snacks for my children. I also could not afford to pay for my surgery and I had to borrow money for my medical cost.”

Dany is a 33-year-old mother of two from rural Cambodia. She works at home caring for her disabled father and her two kids, ages 7 and 1. Her husband works at a nearby construction job. Dany enjoys spending time with her kids and cooking. Ten years ago, Dany was in a motorbike accident and fractured her left femur. After the accident, she went to an emergency clinic and doctors fixated hardware to heal the fracture. Now the fracture has healed, but the metalwork causes discomfort and infection. It is difficult for her to walk, and she is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 19th, Dany will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This procedure will help her walk easily again. She shared, "I hope I can walk easily, and be able to take care of my children now that my son started to walk."

Oeun is a 19-year-old construction worker who lives with his parents and younger brother. Both of his parents are rice farmers, while Oeun and his brother stopped school when they reached the age of 16 in order to work and help support the family. His younger brother works as a motorbike mechanic, and Oeun recently got a job in construction. On October 10th, Oeun was leaving work on his motorbike when a tuk tuk turned a corner and crashed into him. He was rushed to a nearby clinic for a broken shoulder and the loss of one toe. A couple of days later, Oeun's mother brought him to a traditional healer in the village because of pain and swelling in his right shoulder. Since then, his pain has not improved. He is having difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort, and in performing every day activities, as he is unable to lift his arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 8th, Oeun will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This procedure will unite the fracture, and allow Oeun to move his arm easily again. Oeun shared: "I hope I can move my arm again and go back to work to help my family."