Bunna is a 6-year-old first-grader from Cambodia. She lives with her parents and younger brother. Her mom works in a garment factory and her dad recently got a job at a nearby construction site. Bunna loves math and science, and hopes to be a nurse and help people in her village when she grows up. For the last two years, Bunna has been experiencing difficulty swallowing and breathing, accompanied by recurring episodes of pharyngitis. Additionally, she has noticed a decrease in appetite, resulting in weight loss and fatigue. Frequent illness causes her to miss school. Bunna was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Bunna, which is scheduled to take place on March 11th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Bunna of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Bunna's mother shared, "I hope that my daughter can feel healthy and not miss so many school days."

76-year-old Smaoh Bernado is a married man from Mpando Village in Mozambique. He has seven children, all of whom are married and in their respective homes. He lives with his wife and grandchildren. In the past, Smaoh was a farmer who grew maize for consumption and commercial purposes to support his family; however, due to his old age, he now depends on his children for support. Smaoh has been using a catheter for the past year as a result of his inability to pass urine. He experiences pain while attempting to pass urine and much discomfort from the catheter. He has been going to a local health center for regular catheter changes until he opted to seek additional evaluation and treatment at our medical partner's care center Nkhoma Hospital. Smaoh was diagnosed with enlarged prostate, and was scheduled for open prostatectomy surgery. His family is unable to cover the complete expenses of the procedure. If left untreated, he may have recurrent urinary tract infections, and he may have to live with the catheter. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Smaoh receive treatment. On March 12th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform open prostatectomy surgery which will relieve him of the pain. Now, Smaoh needs help to fund this $530 procedure. Smaoh says, “I look forward to returning home free from this condition.”

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.”