La Min is a 12-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents and three brothers in Myawaddy, Karen State, Burma. His father is a day laborer, and his mother takes in laundry. He and his two older brothers are students, but his younger brother is too young to go to school yet. The family’s monthly income is not enough to cover the family’s daily expenses, so they often borrow money from a neighbor to get by. Since 2023, La Min has been experiencing swollen tonsils which make it difficult for him to breathe. He coughs and snores at night and has difficulty sleeping, so he sometimes has to sleep sitting upright. Because of his difficulty breathing, he gets tired easily, so his parents sometimes do not allow him to play football or cane ball with his friends. La Min was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a tonsillectomy for La Min, which is scheduled to take place on March 17th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving La Min of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. La Min said, “I look forward to eating anything I can again. Right now, my mother just cooks plain food, so I want to eat something delicious again.”

Gian is a devoted father from the Philippines. He is passionate about basketball and spends his weekends coaching teens. He works tirelessly to provide for his three children, alongside his wife, who earns a living as a vendor. Despite his condition and the discomfort it causes, Gian continues to work, believing it is not a reason to stop supporting his family. Although he was once afraid to undergo surgery, he is now determined to move forward and get better. Three years ago, Gian developed an umbilical hernia. The hernia gave him recurring throbbing pain, and at times, his discomfort became worse with breathing. Fortunately, on February 27th, Gian will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Gian's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining amount and requests $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Gian to live more comfortably and confidently. Gian says, "This operation will give me peace of mind. I will also be able to support my loved ones better. I am doing this for them."

Tibeyalirwa is a 62-year-old father of eight children from Uganda. He and his wife depend on farming for their livelihood, growing food mainly for home consumption and selling off any surplus to meet their basic needs. Ten years ago, Tibeyalirwa developed two swellings in his inguinal region. He sought treatment at a nearby medical center, and underwent surgery. However, two years ago, the swelling recurred on the left side, accompanied by significant pain. Tibeyalirwa has been diagnosed with inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, on March 10th, Tibeyalirwa has been scheduled for hernia repair surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Tibeyalirwa's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Tibeyalirwa says, "I hope to be relieved of the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer."