Ibrahim is a baby from Kenya. He is an only child who lives with his parents in the coastal region of Kenya. Ibrahim was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Ibrahim is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,097 to cover the cost of Ibrahim's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 2. This procedure will hopefully spare Ibrahim from the risks associated with his condition, instead allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory.

Yoeun is a 72-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has six siblings, and likes to go to the pagoda in her free time. One year ago, Yoeun developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Yoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 16, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $398 procedure. She says, "I hope that I am able to see clearly again so I can attend ceremonies at the pagoda, and also cook and help with the housework."

Nam is a 16-year-old student from Burma. She lives with her family in Mae Sot. She likes reading in her free time. Nam was born with a meningocele, a birth defect in which the spinal cord fails to form properly. Meningocele is characterized by a sac-like protrusion of the membranes surrounding the spinal column. If left untreated, it can result in extreme neurological impairment due to the continued exposure of the spinal tissue. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to help cover the cost of meningocele repair surgery for Nam. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 25. Nam says, "I want to finish my high school and after that I will join the university in Thailand."