Htee is a one-year-old toddler who lives with his parents and his grandfather in Burma. His mother is a homemaker and his father and grandfather grow betel nuts, bananas, durian, chili and sesame on their own land. The income they earn from selling their crops is not enough to cover their daily expenses and pay for basic health care. Earlier this year, Htee had a fever and runny nose. He received treatment at a local clinic but his fever did not subside. A few days later, his skin and eyes turned yellow and he developed blue spots all over his body. He was brought to a hospital in Burma, where the doctor told Htee's parents that he has a problem with his liver and would need surgery at another treatment center. Unable to pay for travel and treatment, his parents brought him home. One day, a neighbor's referral led them to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. BCMF is now seeking $1,500 to help fund a hepatoportoenterostomy, which will allow for bile drainage and relieve Htee's worrying symptoms. “I am happy to hear the organization (BCMF) will help support my son’s treatment. Thank you to the donors," said Htee's father.

Sok is a 76-year-old retired rice farmer from the Kompong Cham province of Cambodia. He and his wife have three sons, three daughters, and fourteen grandchildren. They receive support from their daughters, who live nearby and work as rice farmers. Before his vision deteriorated, Sok's favorite things to do were going to the pagoda and walking around his village. About a year ago, Sok developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Sok has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places on his own. When Sok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 20th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Sok contributed $100 to his care. Sok shared: "I am hoping, after surgery, I can finally see better and take care of myself and my wife."

Samir is a nine-year-old second grader who lives in La Paz, Bolivia with his mother, who works part-time at a snack food factory. Samir particularly enjoys learning about science and nature. Samir was born with a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of passing through his heart completely, leaving him weak and short of breath. Samir needs surgical intervention to address this condition. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to fund the surgery that Samir needs. This procedure, during which doctors will close the hole in his heart with a patch, is scheduled to take place on March 8th, at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. After he has recovered, Samir should be able to grow into a strong and healthy young man. Samir's mother said: "I am very hopeful that my son's heart will be normal after the surgery so that I can stop worrying about him!"