Kyaw Yin is a 28-year-old man from Burma. He moved to Thailand in search of job opportunities to support his family. He previously worked in a factory, earning a modest income that helped cover his living expenses and allowed him to send financial support back home. Kyaw Yin was born with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. Due to this condition, he experiences fatigue during exertion and is unable to lift or carry heavy objects. He has recently stopped working to focus on his treatment and will undergo surgery to close the ductus arteriosus. After surgery, he hopes to return to work and eventually open a phone repair shop. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Kyaw Yin receive heart surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 7th and, once completed, is expected to improve his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. Kyaw Yin needs help raising $1,500 to fund his procedure and care. Kyaw Yin said, “Thanks to the donors for providing me with financial support. Without your help, I would face serious financial difficulties, as I cannot afford the surgery cost. Thank you so much for helping me.”

Joyce is a 14-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her parents and four siblings in a pastoralist Maasai community. She is currently in Standard Six at a local primary school and is known by her teachers as a determined and respectful student. Joyce has been living with a severe extensor tendon contracture and burn scar contracture affecting her right hand and wrist. Over the years, the condition has gradually limited her ability to open her hand, extend her wrist, and use her fingers effectively. Despite these challenges, Joyce remains committed to being productive. She has adapted by using her left hand for writing and most school activities, which has slowed her work and made classroom tasks more difficult. At home, she participates in household chores, but tasks that require gripping, lifting, or two-handed coordination are hard for her. Simple activities like carrying water, washing clothes, or holding tools can be painful and frustrating. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Joyce receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to significantly improve her ability to write, care for herself, and participate fully in school and home life. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Joyce says, “I try to do everything with my left hand, but it is slow and difficult. I would desire my right hand to work so I can write and do my schoolwork without struggle.”

Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."