Naw Ree is a 29-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother, husband, sister, and brother in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. She is a homemaker who also weaves traditional Karen clothes for sale. Her husband is not formerly employed, but looks after their vegetable garden, chickens, and two pigs. Her brother is a student, and her sister also weaves traditional Karen clothing. Together they earn 1,000 THB per month, which is often not enough to cover their daily expenses. The family receives free basic health care in the refugee camp provided by Malteser International (MI) Thailand. Naw Ree is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Naw Ree undergo a C-Section on May 14th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Ree needs your support. Naw Ree said, “I wish to work as a healthcare worker in the future. If given the opportunity, I will apply to study as a midwife or a nurse at the camp hospital when my child is older.”

Oun is a 72-year-old house worker from Prey Veng province. She is married with four daughters, one son and ten grandchildren. She lives with her husband who is construction worker, and her oldest daughter, who is also a construction worker. She likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. About two years ago, Oun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Oun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 20th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Oun and her family are able to contribute $75 towards the cost of her treatment and need help raising $188 more to fund the procedure. Oun says: "I hope that after surgery my eye will feel better, that I will be able to recognize people, do housework independently, and venture outside safely."

Houy is an elderly housewife from Kampot province. She is a 76-year-old who is married and has one son and four grandchildren. She lives with her elderly husband, and their living expenses are supported by their son and grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and going to the pagoda. About ten years ago, due to her age, Houy developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her to experience tearing, irritation, and vision problems. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Houy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Houy needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Our medical partner is requesting $298 to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for March 9th. Houy said, "I hope that after surgery, the irritation will stop, my vision will improve, and I will be able to recognize things more easily without worrying about my eye problem anymore."