Visal is a 16-month-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and brother in Kep province. His father works as a construction worker, while his mother works as a grocery seller and cares for the children at home. At home, Visal enjoys playing with his older brother and taking naps. In September 2023, Visal suffered a burn injury from hot water on his right finger. Now, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the 2nd and 3rd fingers of his right hand. It is difficult for him to grab objects, and limits the function of his hand. When Visal's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 25th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use his hand easily again. Visal's family is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise $395 more to fund this procedure. Visal's father shared, "I hope my son will be able to use his hand easily again and have no problems in the future."

Mirleiny is a five-year-old girl from Haiti. She lives with her parents and two older brothers in a neighborhood outside of the capital. She is currently in kindergarten and likes drawing and dancing. Mirleiny has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. Mirleiny is scheduled to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 1st, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing funds to pay for surgery. Mirleiny's family needs help funding the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkups, and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Mirleiny's family overseas. Mirleiny's mother says: "Our family is so happy to know that after this surgery our daughter's heart will be normal!"

Bae is a 63-year-old man from Thailand. He lives with his wife and son in a refugee camp. His wife is retired while his son is unemployed. Bae works as a vendor selling boiled corn in the refugee camp. He also grows vegetables in their garden for their own consumption. Bae enjoys reading the Bible in his free time. One year ago, Bae was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, causing him severe pain and discomfort. Fortunately, on May 3rd, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sariang Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,486 to fund Bae's surgery. The procedure will, hopefully, allow him to live more comfortably. Bae said, “I hope that the operation will go well, that I can be discharged in a few days and go back to the refugee camp, returning to life as usual.”