Say is a 31-year-old woman who has lived with her family in a refugee camp for more than 10 years after fleeing the conflict in Burma. She is a homemaker who lives with her husband, elderly father, and three young children who are all attending school. The income for Say’s family comes from cash cards provided by an organisation in the refugee camp. Say’s husband works as a delivery driver outside the camp but he has been unable to work since December 2023 because Say’s father and eldest son have health issues that require support. Their monthly income is not enough to cover their living expenses and they sometimes need to borrow food before their cash card is refilled. Basic health care is provided by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the refugee camp free of charge, but not advanced care like Say needs. In 2022, Say began having pain, discomfort, and pressure in her abdomen. She was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy which will remove her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Say's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications. Say is scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy on February 22nd. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of her procedure and care. “I will look for a job as a nursery teacher in the camp, I used to do this before I had to stop. Thank you so much to the donors who are helping us pay for my surgery and thank you to BCMF. May you all be healthy, and God bless you,” shared Say.

Mavin is a seven-year-old first grader. His family currently lives in Tbong Khmum province, where both of his parents work in the rubber industry. He also has a two-year-old younger brother. At school, Mavin enjoys studying Khmer subjects, painting, and playing with toy cars. He wants to become a soldier when he grows up. About four years ago, Mavin had a severe ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in both ears to perforate. His mother took him to the local pediatric hospital, and they suggested Mavin needed a specialty surgeon. He has trouble communicating with others, is embarrassed about the ear discharge, and often misses school. Mavin's family has now traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 4th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in both ears. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforations. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $914 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Mavin's mother said: "I hope my son gets better and has no more infections, and will do well in school."

Sok Im is a 41-year-old factory worker who lives with her husband, a rice farmer, and her elderly parents in Kandal province. During the day, she works at a local garment factory to finance the support of her parents. In the evening, she cooks and cares for her parents and enjoys reading books. In September 2022, she was involved in a motorbike accident with a car, fracturing her left femur and tibia She went to a local hospital where she had orthopedic nails and plates applied to her fractures to assist in healing the bones. Now, her fractures have healed well, and she needs the metal removed from her leg. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 3rd, Sok Im will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This will help her to walk normally again without pain and reduce her risk of infection. Sok Im said: "I hope the surgery is easy and I will have no ache or pain in my leg anymore."