Bunroeun is a 38-year-old farmer who works alongside his wife in the fields. Together, they have four children—one son and three daughters. Since he was seven years old, Bunroeun has experienced recurrent ear infections and discharge. Bunroeun's ear infections caused the tympanic membrane to perforate in both of his ears, meaning a hole or tear was created in his eardrums. As a result, he is experiencing discharge, hearing loss, vertigo, and frequent headaches, which leave him feeling unwell and unable to communicate clearly with others. Bunroeun was unable to follow up on his care when his wife recently delivered their youngest child. However, upon learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled to their care center for treatment. On September 8th, Bunroeun will undergo a myringoplasty procedure to close the tear in each eardrum. CSC is requesting $913 to fund this procedure, which includes coverage of all medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Bunroeun hopes that this procedure will help stop the ear infections and finally improve his hearing loss.

Jackline is a 36-year-old woman. She previously worked as a teacher, but since the pay was very minimal, she now works as a banana trader, as bananas are a staple food in her home country of Uganda. Her husband is a builder and, together, they have five children. They shared that their income is just enough to make ends meet. Jackline visited our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), for her antenatal care. Due to her previous pregnancy history, doctors recommend she deliver through an elective Caesarean section (C-Section) to reduce the chances of any complications. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure, and Jackline and her husband hope she can undergo the planned surgery. Jackline shared, “I desire to have a safe delivery but the cost is limiting. I appeal for financial assistance."

Eh Eh is a 24-year-old woman who lives with husband, daughter, sister and parents in a refugee camp in northern Thailand. She got married three years ago and her husband works at the pharmacy in the refugee camp. He is able to earn 900 baht (approx. $30 USD) per month to support their livelihoods. Her parents are retired, and her sister is in school in grade 11. Eh Eh works for the Camp Information Team and earns 1,000 baht (approx. $30.33 USD) per month. Their household also receives 1,662 baht ($55.40 USD) per month on a cash card from an organisation called The Border Consortium. Eh Eh became pregnant soon after her wedding in 2018. When she went into labour, she was unable to give birth due to her daughter being too big to fit through her pelvis. Malteser International (MI) staff, who run the hospital in the refugee camp, rushed her to Mae Sariang Hospital, where the surgeon performed an emergency C-section to deliver Eh Eh's daughter. On 28 December 2020, Eh Eh found out she was pregnant again. Due to her previous complications during labour, MI staff referred her to Mae Sariang Hospital for further care while she wis in her 39th week. Knowing that she will need to undergo another C-section, and that she cannot afford to pay for it, Eh Eh was referred to our medical partner, the Burma Children Medical Fund for assistance accessing the treatment she needs for a safe delivery for her and her new baby. Currently, although Eh Eh feels fine physically, she has mixed emotions about the surgery. She is worried and scared about undergoing the operation but she is excited to meet her baby. She shared: “I can cope with the worry because I have experienced this before, and because my husband will take care of me,” she said. “I just really hope that my operation will go well, and that baby will be safe."