Lydia is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious meals as a way to sustain a longer and healthier life for herself. She also enjoys watching television to relax. Above all, she remains grateful for the support of her children and does her best to manage her needs while being mindful of their own responsibilities. A year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lydia receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Lydia's procedure and care. Lydia said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I hope to recover so I can move more comfortably, care for myself better, and lessen the burden on my children."

Win is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He is married and has four children. His wife sells fruits and vegetables at a morning market. Win worked as a factory worker outside Bangkok, Thailand, but he had to stop working one month ago due to his medical condition. Win 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. Win is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 21st at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital, to correct his heart condition and improve his quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to help fund Win's procedure and care. Win said, “For my whole life, I felt I was healthy. I did not believe it when I was told the diagnosis. I am looking forward to receiving the surgery so I can return to work soon. My children rely on me for their school fees. Even though we are in debt, I do not want them to know and worry. Without your help, I would not have the chance to receive this expensive surgery. Thank you for supporting us.”

Aisan is a one-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of two children. His parents are farmers who grow maize for household consumption and sell the surplus at the local market to earn income and meet their family’s needs. Aisan was born with clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which both feet are twisted inward. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. His parents were concerned about his condition and the challenges he might face in the future. Aisan is scheduled to begin treatment through manipulation and serial casting. He will subsequently undergo a tenotomy procedure to help improve foot alignment. Through this treatment, Aisan will have an opportunity to develop with properly aligned feet, allowing him to wear shoes and walk comfortably as he grows. Fortunately, Aisan's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 28th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Aisan's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will have a better chance to enjoy childhood activities and pursue his dreams without the limitations associated with untreated clubfoot. “We are grateful that Aisan was identified early and given a chance for treatment. We hope he will grow up healthy and walk comfortably like other children,” says Aisan's mother.