Norlan is a 35-year-old father from the Philippines. Norlan did not finish his education, but as a father he is committed to making sure his two children finish school so they will not have to experience the hardships he experienced. He also dreams of going abroad to make sure his children will live a better life. Norlan currently works as a tricycle driver and earns $14 a day, which is mostly dedicated to the family's daily needs. Two years ago, Norlan began to experience troubling symptoms, including irritation, pain, and bowel obstruction. His condition affected his work and therefore the family's income. Norlan needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Norlan receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on February 3rd at WSFP's care center. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,285 to cover the cost of Norlan's procedure and care. "I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity because my income is not enough for the surgery and hospitalization," says Norlan. "We have nothing else to rely on so I am grateful to this organization and grateful to the people behind this."

Saw Ta is a 36-year-old farmer who lives with his wife and eight children in a village in Karen State, Burma. Saw Ta plants chili and cardamom and volunteers as a community development worker in his area. The family also raises chickens, goats, and pigs. Saw Ta has a heart condition that requires the replacement of the aortic and mitral heart valves and the repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Saw Ta gets tired easily and experiences heart palpitations when he is working, requiring him to take frequent periods of rest. As he cannot work long hours on the farm, he stays home to take care of his children while his wife goes out to work. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for the complex surgery that Saw Ta's condition requires. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on April 10th, and once completed, will hopefully allow Saw Ta to live a fuller and healthier life. Saw Ta said: "After treatment, I will go back to help my wife on the farm, and also continue to volunteer in my community. Now, because of my heart condition, my wife has to do all the work at home and I feel sorry for her."

Liam is a 3-year-old boy from Kenya. Born to a single mother, he and his older sister live with their aunt as their mother temporarily relocated to Dubai in search of better opportunities. Their aunt, who is also a single mother, has two children of her own. She cares for the children and supports the family through beadwork. On April 12th, Liam was playing indoors when he accidentally fell out of a chair and injured his left elbow. He was promptly taken to the nearby hospital, where an X-ray revealed a closed fracture dislocation of his left hand. The doctors at the hospital recommended surgery for the fracture, but due to financial constraints, Liam's family decided to seek assistance from our medical partners at Nazareth Hospital. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On April 18th, Liam will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The treatment will alleviate pain and restore his hand's function. Furthermore, as he is still growing, it will reduce the risk of the fracture healing with deformity, which could further impair his hand function long-term. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1.049 to fund this procedure. Liam's Aunt said, “I am so desperate and don’t know what to do with him anymore. I hope he can get help so that at least his hand can be well again, as we plan to take him to school soon.”