19-year-old Htun is a student from Tak Province in Thailand. Science is his favorite subject, and he is eager to continue learning more. Htun was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a damage to 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. This condition has caused Htun to experience fatigue, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. He requires the support of pillows to sleep comfortably, as sleeping flat on his back exacerbates his breathing difficulties. He also has trouble eating, as he feels short of breath when swallowing food. He has had to withdraw from school due to the condition. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement procedure for Htun. His upcoming surgery, set for July 9th at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, will alleviate his symptoms, allowing him to return to school once he has fully recovered. Htun says: "Since my condition has worsened, I had to put my studies on hold in mid-July, and my mother has had to dedicate her time to caring for me, leaving her with no time for her previous activities. Despite this setback, I remain committed to pursuing my dream of becoming an electrical engineer in the future, as I find joy in repairing and creating things."

Meet Sithorn, a 14-year-old girl who lives with her parents and three siblings in Prey Veng province in Cambodia. Her father is a construction worker, while her mother works in a clothing factory. Her oldest brother is a waiter, while her younger siblings are in primary school. Sithorn dropped out of eighth grade at the start of the school year, due to back pain, which made it difficult for her to sit comfortably at her desk. She now stays at home to help her mother with cooking, cleaning the house, and taking care of her younger siblings. Several months ago, Sithorn's mother noticed an abnormal curvature of her daughter's spine, which was later diagnosed as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). This condition, which typically develops between the ages of ten and 18, causes Sithorn's spine to curve sideways in an "S" shape. Sithorn complains of back pain that extends to her neck, making it hard for her to sit for long periods. She also experiences fullness in her chest, and difficulty breathing, especially at night. Fortunately, our medical partner, the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On September 11th, surgeons will perform posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct the curvature of Sithorn's spine. Sithorn's mother can only afford $100 toward her daughter’s care and needs your help to raise the remaining $1,400 for the surgery, hospitalization, post-operative medication, and physiotherapy. This surgery will help alleviate Sithorn's pain, improve her posture, and enable her to return to school again. Sithorn shared, "I hope my surgery will be successful so I can return to school and focus on my studies."

Lyhor is a 12-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives in Kampot province with her mother, younger brother, and grandmother. Her mother is employed at a nearby casino, while her father works in a different province and sends money home to ensure his family has food. Lyhor is currently in 5th grade and enjoys studying Khmer language. When she grows up, she wants to become a nurse, fulfilling her mother's wish. At home, she likes to eat porridge with eggs, and in her free time, she enjoys teaching her younger brother. In September 2023, Lyhor was riding on the back of a motorbike and was involved in a traffic collision. Her right leg was fractured. She underwent a fracture repair at a clinic in Kampot province, where doctors fixed hardware in her leg to heal her fracture. Her fracture is now healed, but she still feels an ache in her leg and has trouble keeping up with friends at school. Her family brought her back to the same clinic to have the hardware removed but they could not afford the procedure there. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 2nd, Lyhor will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help her walk more comfortably again. Lyhor's family has contributed $100 towards her medical costs but need help raising the remaining $204 to fund the procedure. Lyhor's mother said: "After the surgery, Lyhor hopes to walk normally so that she can return to school with her friends."