Chan is a 36-year-old woman who lives with her husband and father-in-law in Shwepyithar Town, Yangon Division. Chan’s husband works as a day labourer on a construction site, while Chan is a seamstress who works from home. In 2010, Chan started to feel tired, had a rapid heartbeat and developed joint pain. She went to the clinic in Thaton, where she lived at that time, and received an an echocardiogram (echo) and x-ray. The doctor also told her that, if her heart became too enlarged, she would not be able to control her condition with oral medication and she would not be able to have a baby. She then received oral medication for a week which made her feel better for a while. In September 2019, when she went back for her follow-up appointment, she received another echo. Following this, the doctor explained to her that her condition could no longer be stabilized with medication. As he knew that Chan could not afford to pay for her surgery, he referred her to Pinlon Hospital. On 17th September 2019, she met the staff at Pin Long Hospital and who then referred her to Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). Currently, Chan suffers from chest pain, has difficulty breathing, has a rapid heartbeat and has lost weight. In her free times Chan likes to sew, cook and do housework. “When I’m fully recovered, I will continue to work as a seamstress, save money and live happily with family,” said Chan. “Once I have enough money, my husband and I have decided to adopt one child. And I want to do charity work and help poor people as much as I can.”

Mao is a 51-year-old palm sugar seller from Cambodia. He has four children, three grandchildren, and enjoys watching Khmer dramas on television in his spare time. Ten years ago, Mao developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her irritation, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. Mao needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Mao shared, "I hope that I can continue my work selling palm sugar at the market, and be able to go anywhere I want to on my own again."

Joseph is a young boy from Kenya who was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia in November. His mother who was giving him a bath noted the abnormal swelling. With the swell being persistent, a scan was done and revealed a left inguinal hernia. This is a condition that occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. If not treated, Joseph is at a risk of suffering strangulation which can potentially restrict blood flow to the body tissue and result in gangrene. Joseph’s mother is a housewife while his father is employed as a tout. With a very menial income, the young parents are not able to raise the funds needed. They do not have medical insurance and lack funds to pay for the surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $423 to fund Joseph's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably.