Naw Wah is a 22-year-old living in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand. Naw Wah lives with her husband, grandmother, two sons and a daughter. Her grandmother is retired, while her husband is a day laborer. The family receives some financial support from The Border Consortium, and free basic health care in the refugee camp through Malteser International Thailand. During Naw Wah's third pregnancy, she had to undergo an emergency Caesarean section when her amniotic sac ruptured prematurely. Nah Wah discovered that she is pregnant with her fourth child in May 2023, and during one of her antenatal visits, the doctors informed her that would have to deliver via a C-section again, in order to protect the health of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Naw Wah undergo a C-section on January 9th, at Mae Sariang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Naw Wah's family needs your support. “I feel tired sometimes looking after two of my children with disabilities. My husband has to earn more money for our living expenses, and he cannot stay with us at home a lot,” she said.

Nom is a 64-year-old widow. She is a retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom province, living with a daughter since her husband passed away ten years ago. She has two daughters from her long marriage to her husband - one is a rice farmer, one works in construction, and they have given her five beautiful grandchildren. At home most of the day, she likes to listen to the monks chant on the radio, or visit the local Buddhist centre. Five years ago, Nom developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty keeping her balance. 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 Nom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 3rd, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope after surgery I can see better. I want to help my daughter take care of my grandchildren and do housework to help her."

Randell is a 20-year-old hardworking student from the Philippines. He is currently in his third year of college studying to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering. He lives with his sister, who supports his studies financially. Randell was a very athletic student, participating in various school activities and sports until he first started experiencing health issues. Five years ago, Randell was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, which causes him extreme pain in a sensitive area that intensifies with movement. Because of this pain, Randell cannot participate in the school activities and sports events he used to participate in. On December 9th, Randell will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). A portion of the cost of Randell's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP needs help raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Randell said, "This will help our financial situation. This is a significant help to us. I hope you can help more people and I am very grateful for being one of your beneficiaries. When I graduate and when I already have the means, I promise to help others and pay it forward."