Zin is a 36-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, one daughter, and two sons in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand. He works as a part-time teacher in Mae Sot, while his wife is a homemaker. Zin's daughter and one son attend school, while the youngest son is too young to attend school. Unfortunately, Zin had to stop working in June 2026 because of his health issues. For their basic healthcare, the family usually visits Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot, which provides free healthcare services. Zin was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backwards. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Zin is still suffering from breathlessness on exertion and severe shortness of breath that wakes him after falling asleep. He mentioned that since his last visit to Mae Sot Hospital, his symptoms have become more severe. He can only walk a short distance and cannot sleep at night because of the breathlessness. Because of his health condition and inability to work, the family is facing financial difficulties, along with emotional stress and worry. After his surgery, follow-up visits, and full recovery, Zin plans to find a job to support his family’s daily expenses and continue living with his family. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Zin. The treatment is scheduled to take place on September 1st at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital, and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Zin expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much indeed to the organisation [BCMF] and the donors for your willingness and kindness in assisting with my surgery costs. I cannot fully describe in words how happy and thankful I am that I now have the opportunity to undergo surgery, which I could not even dream of without your support. I wish all of you good health, long lives, and great prosperity.”

Diriba is 75 years old and a father of nine from Ethiopia. He is a farmer who has spent his whole life working the land alongside his wife. For over a year, cataracts have clouded Diriba's left eye, and he has completely lost vision in that eye over the past month. At the same time, age has weakened the vision in his right eye, leaving him almost completely blind. This sudden loss of sight has abruptly stopped his active life. Once a proud and independent man who loved farming and spending time with his community, he now depends entirely on others for everyday tasks. He can no longer visit friends, join family gatherings, or see his children and grandchildren clearly. This has placed a heavy emotional burden on both him and his wife as they hope for the return of his sight, freedom, and dignity. Fortunately, Diriba is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. On September 6th, surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Diriba shares, "I hope to get my eyesight back so I can be independent again and do my daily tasks easily. I look forward to visiting friends, joining family gatherings, and enjoying life with my wife and large family."

Mekdes is a young mother from Ethiopia. At just 22, this single mother is the heart and soul of her small family, working hard to build a life for herself and her four-year-old child. She runs a small street-side stall selling fried chips, and this humble business is their only source of income. Mekdes has been fighting chronic tonsillitis for four years. Because her business is outdoors and requires her to be on her feet all day, these frequent, painful throat infections make it incredibly difficult for her to work. When she is too sick to stand at her stall, she loses the income they desperately need, creating a constant and exhausting cycle of physical pain and financial worry. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mekdes, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mekdes of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mekdes said, "My deepest hope is to finally achieve lasting health and financial security, so I can work consistently without the constant fear that a sudden, painful illness will take away my ability to provide for my child."