Martha is 46 years old and a mother of four from Ethiopia. Martha and her family are refugees who have been granted asylum by the Government of Kenya. Martha’s husband recounts how he narrowly escaped death and walked long distances to reach the border. Although he holds a master’s degree, securing formal employment has been extremely difficult. Currently, he earns a living through small-scale hawking within the neighborhood, while Martha works informally as a cook at a roadside kiosk. Six years ago, Martha began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small swelling on her neck that gradually continued to grow. Initially, it was painless, but over time she began experiencing headaches, eye pain, and sensations such as a rapid heartbeat. She sought medical care at a hospital, where tests were conducted, but she was informed that the results were inconclusive. She was diagnosed with multinodular goiter. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Martha receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 24th. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $633, and she and her family need help raising money. “We are refugees with no family members who can support us. We are praying for help so that I can undergo surgery, return to my normal life, and continue supporting my family,” said Martha.

Salimu is a 22-year-old young man from Malawi, who lives with and cares for his mother. He has an older brother who cares for their younger brother, who is currently in Form 4. Following his parents' separation when he was in secondary school, Salimu dropped out of school due to a lack of school fees, and joined his mother in selling second-hand clothes. He presently works in a film show room, earning about $20 per month - barely enough to support the household. In late 2025, Salimu was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He has been experiencing swelling episodes that have continued to worsen, significantly impacting his daily activities and ability to work. Surgery has been recommended, and he is hopeful that it will restore his health and enable him to resume his role in supporting his mother and contributing meaningfully to the household. However, Salimu is unable to afford the treatment costs. Fortunately, on April 9th, Salimu will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. He is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but still needs help raising an additonal $575 to fund the procedure. Salimu says, "As a young man, I humbly seek your support for medical treatment, so that I can continue supporting my mother."

Pyae is a 16-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her parents, her sister, and her brother in Mandalay. Her father works as a day labor and her mother sells fruits pickle at home. Pyae and her siblings are students. Pyae was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backwards. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Pyae has chest pain, gets tired easily, and is unable to eat and sleep well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Pyae. The treatment is scheduled to take place on May 15th at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital in Thailand, and once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Pyae said, "If it is not BCMF and its donors, I will not have the right to receive the surgery.” Pyae’s mother said, “I would like to say thank you so much for your support and your cares to us. This kind of opportunity and support, we can not find and receive it inside Burma. I would like to contribute back to BCMF someday in the future.”