Chrispine is a four-year-old boy from Malawi. He has two other siblings, one twin brother and one sister. His mother Everes, had two sets of twins, but tragically lost one of the girls shortly after birth. Christpine's mother sells vegetables and her husband is a farm worker. Chrispine likes playing and enjoys all kinds of food. Chrispine was born with bilateral inguinal hernia, which are lumps on both sides of the lower abdomen resulting from a weakness of the abdominal wall. His mother has been awaiting for an opportunity for surgery at a nearby hospital, but recently Chrispine has been experiencing a lot of pain. The condition has also affected his mother's ability to work, which has caused an income reduction for the family. A former beneficiary of the surgery support program at our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Centre, advised the family to seek help there. The diagnosis of bilateral inguinal hernia was confirmed and the need for a surgical intervention emphasized. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Chrispine receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery, after which Chrispine is expected to make a full recovery. Now, Chrispine's family needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Chrispine's mother says, “I am grateful for the entire support given to my son and I am finally looking forward to surgery that will bring the long-awaited healing.”

Seng Hour is a 16-year-old student who resides in Pursat province with his parents and two younger sisters. His father is a teacher, his mother is a rice farmer, and his sisters are students at the local school. Seng Hour is in grade 10 and enjoys chemistry; he would like to become a teacher. At home, he enjoys his mother's fried beef and vegetables and playing volleyball with friends. In August 2023, Seng Hour was in a motorbike accident and fell onto his right side. His family sought treatment from a local clinic, but his right arm and hand remain paralyzed, and he cannot use them. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand, and injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. Because Seng Hour is unable to use his hand, he has stopped attending school. Seng Hour traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment, the only center in the country where the treatment he needs is available. On January 9th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery with the goal of regaining some function in his arm. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Seng Hour said: "I hope the doctors can fix my arm so I can go to school and get a job to help my family."

Naw Sha is a 33-year-old mother who lives with her husband, daughter, sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, two nieces, and nephew in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Originally from Karen State, Burma, she fled to Thailand with her family in 2012 due to armed conflict. Currently, she and her sister-in-law are homemakers, while her daughter, nieces and nephew go to school in the refugee camp. Her husband and her brothers-in-law are day laborers. During her free time, Naw Sha enjoys cooking, spending time with her daughter, nieces and nephew, and teaching them Burmese. Naw Sha is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a Caesarean section (C-section) because of her high-risk pregnancy. By delivering with a C-section, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is helping Naw Sha undergo a C-Section on December 8th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Sha needs your support in raising money to fund her care. Naw Sha said, “In the future, if I had an opportunity, I would like to work with a health organization in the refugee camp as a nurse to earn more money to support my family."