U Sanda is a 32-year-old monk from Burma. He has been a monk for over 15 years, and lives with other monks at a monastery. He does not earn an income, and relies on food donated at the monastery by local people. When he becomes ill, his best friend helps cover the cost of his basic medical treatment. U Sanda was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. U Sanda is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 21st at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital to correct his atrial septal defect, and improve his quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of U Sanda's procedure and care. U Sanda said, “All of the costs of my previous investigations were covered by my best friend. If BCMF and the donors do not help me, I would choose to suffer rather than continue receiving treatment, because I know the cost is very expensive.”

Birhanu is 75 years old and a retired soldier from Ethiopia. His wife makes handicrafts to bring in extra money. Together, they work hard to support their four children—three sons and one daughter. For more than two years, however, a growing cloud in his left eye—known as a cataract—has turned his life upside down. Birhanu's vision has become blurry and weak, making it dangerous for him to walk outside, especially after dark. Simple chores around the house have also become exhausting challenges, taking away the independence and quiet daily routines he has relied on for decades. Fortunately, Birhanu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Birhanu shared, "I hope to walk safely at night, go back to doing odd jobs to help my family, handle chores on my own, and get my confidence and active life back in the community."

Jesus is a 12-year-old student from Colombia. He is a calm boy, and like all children, can be mischievous at times, but overall is very easygoing. He enjoys video games and playing soccer. When he grows up, he wants to be a soccer player and play in the World Cup, just like Cristiano Ronaldo. Jesus has an inguinal hernia, a protrusion of abdominal contents through the inguinal canal. Surgery has been recommended to correct it and prevent possible future complications. This condition causes pain, which worsens with physical activity and may limit his movements. Fortunately, on July 28th, Jesus will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Jesus's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Jesus's parents said, "We would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for the invaluable support you provided by making our son’s hernia surgery possible. Your generosity touched our lives at a time of uncertainty and worry, becoming a true act of love, solidarity, and hope."