Damaris is a 48-year-old mother from Kenya. She resides in Ngarariga, in Kiambu County, with her husband and three children. Damaris is a homemaker, and her husband sells assorted items in Limuru. Their income is sufficient to pay for food and their children's education. For two years, Damaris has been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping, this worsened in December 2023. It has worsened to the point of making caring for her children difficult and she is unable to socialize with her community. Damari went to the district hospital where she was diagnosed with fibroids of the uterus. The physicians recommend a hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus. If this condition is not treated, she could develop severe anemia and the fibroids may eventually become cancerous. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $718 to fund Damaris's surgery. On February 27th, she will undergo a hysterectomy at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Damaris will be able to resume her previous activities and care for her children. “I have no words to explain how I am suffering with this bleeding. I humbly request help so that I can get back to my normal life and be able to take care of my family,” said Damaris.

Ko Tin is a 34-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his parents and his younger brother in a village in Yangon Division, Burma. He used to be a driver before his condition got worse but now he has stopped. Currently, Ko Tin is living with his parents who are farmers and support him. The whole family’s income is just enough for their basic expenses and basic health care. Ko Tin has a wife who went to Thailand for work about four months ago but he has lost contact with her. When he has the energy and free time, Ko Tin likes playing football with friends. Ko Tin was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires replacement of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. In mid October, Ko Tin experienced fever, cough, body pain, difficult breathing, and severe fatigue when he walks a short distance. After he visited the cardiologist in Yangon Hospital, he was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation and doctor recommend that he should receive surgery. Currently, Ko Tin feels tired, coughs often, and is experiencing difficult breathing. Sometimes, he feels pain from his legs and his arms, and he cannot sleep well at night. He will feel extremely fatigued with shortness of breath when he lays down on the floor. He also cannot walk long distances. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Ko Tin. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Pun Hlaing Hospital on December 3rd and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ko Tin said, “I would like to recover as soon as possible. My parents are worried about me, and they have difficulty earning enough money to pay for my treatment. I hope my wife to return, and I would like to live as a happy family.”

Yoeun is a retired rice farmer from Kompong Cham province. She is a widow who lost her husband about 10 years ago. They did not have any children, so she lives with her niece, who is a farmer. She used to be a farmer too, planting rice, but she had to stop because of her eyesight. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. About a year ago, Yoeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty seeing in bright or low light. When Yoeun learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Yoeun is able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery and needs help raising $253 to fund her eye surgery. She shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyes will be better and I will be able to see again. I want to go out and join ceremonies, visit the pagoda, and be able to take care of myself."