La Min is a 21-year-old young woman from Burma. She lives with her aunt in Bangkok, Thailand. She moved to Bangkok from her village in Karen State, Burma, in 2023 in search of better job opportunities. She worked as a waitress, but had to stop because of her health. La Min has a heart condition that requires replacement of two heart valves -the aortic and mitral valves - and 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. Currently, La Min experiences fatigue and a rapid heartbeat while walking even short distances, poor appetite, and chest pain. Even though she has lived with her condition almost all her life, she still experiences anxiety and stress during her episodes. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for this complex surgery. The treatment is scheduled to take place on April 10th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and have a more active and healthy life ahead. In the future, La Min hopes to continue to work in Bangkok and save enough money to return to her village in Burma. There she dreams of opening a restaurant and selling Thai food. She said, “When I lie down at night, I hear my rapid heartbeat and have trouble falling asleep. When I am very tired and experience heart palpitations, I worry that my heartbeat will stop suddenly. I want to know what the world is like without my heart disease.”

Chanya is a 10-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in a rural area in Kampong Chhnang Province with her parents and brother. Both of her parents work in a garment factory to support their family. Chanya is currently attending school and enjoys studying mathematics. In her free time, she likes reading and helping her mother with household tasks. Two years ago, Chanya sustained a puncture injury to her foot after stepping on a nail. Over time, her right foot and ankle worsened, resulting in calf muscle loss and the foot becoming stuck pointing downward. This condition has led to persistent pain and significant difficulty walking, especially over long distances. Her condition has affected her ability to attend school regularly and participate in activities. On April 21st, Chanya will undergo a correction procedure at our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $582, including surgery and post-op care. Surgeons from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will operate on her right foot to improve foot position and walking function. Chanya's mother shared, “After the surgery, I hope that my daughter will be able to walk normally again without pain. I hope she can move more freely, play like other children, and go to school without difficulty. Most importantly, I hope this treatment will improve her quality of life and bring back her confidence and happiness.”

Anisania is an 11-month-old baby girl from Tanzania, and the second-born child in a family of two children. She is a quiet girl who shares a close bond with her mother. Her mother is a hardworking farmer, primarily growing wheat and sweet potatoes to support the family. Anisania has clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Anisania's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Doctors will begin clubfoot treatment on May 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Anisania's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Anisania will grow up able to stand, walk, and live independently without limitations.. Anisania's mother says, "I pray that my daughter will grow up walking well, and living a healthy life."