Spencer is the last born in a family of four children. His father is a fisherman, and mother stays home to care for Spencer. Shortly after birth, Spencer's stomach became swollen. He was diagnosed with Anorectal Malformation - a birth condition in which the rectum is malformed. He was scheduled for a colostomy opening surgery, but Spencer's parents did not have any money for the surgery. They went back home with some medication to help pass stool as they were looking for money. After one month, they gathered some money and underwent the surgery. Spencer is now scheduled for an anorectoplasty surgery, where the surgeon will further correct the malformation. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, will perform the surgery on February 27th and is requesting for $743 to fund the surgery. Spencer’s mother says, “As a parent, it's very painful to see your child suffering yet there’s nothing you can do to help. I hope that my child will be able to recover and live a normal life.”

Esther is a 48-year-old mother of two adult children. She is a sales lady and her husband is an accountant. During her free time, Esther listens to gospel music and enjoys eating nsima made from maize flour served with fish and beans. In 2021, she experienced abdominal pain and other worrying symptoms. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids or abnormal growths in the uterus. She was given some medications that helped reduce the growth of the fibroids. Once her symptoms disappeared, she stopped taking the medications. However, the symptoms came back and the doctors at Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH) recommended for her to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy to address the pain and future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for $1,363 for the procedure that will take place on March 2nd. After the surgery, it is expected that Esther's symptoms will disappear. Esther looks forward to being able to perform her daily tasks and going back to work.

Hla Moe is a 30-year-old man who lives with his parents, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and son in a village in Karen State, Burma. His family owns a paddy farm where most of them work. They use a small area of the farm to plant vegetables for themselves. They also raise chickens, pigs, and goats that they sell. Hla Moe stays at home to look after his son, while his wife lives in Mae Sot, Thailand, and works as a medic. In his free time, he likes to watch the news. Many years ago, Hla Moe experienced pain in his back and the left side of his abdomen. The pain became more frequent and severe, prompting him to seek medical treatment. Hla Moe was seen to have multiple stones in his left kidney and is recommended to have surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. Hla Moe is scheduled for surgery to remove the kidney stones on March 15th. He needs help raising $1,500 for the surgery. Hla Moe said, “I am lucky that there are donors who will support my treatment. Without your support, I would never be able to get treatment. I am thankful for all the support you’ve given me.”