Saphat is a 67-year-old retired rice farmer. She lives with her sister, who is a farmer. Saphat enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in her free time. In 2012, Saphat developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her burning, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, the mucous layer that lubricates the eye. These growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil as a result. Because of this condition, Saphat has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Saphat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 4th, she will undergo a procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. CSC is requesting $216 to fund the total cost of her procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Saphat shared, "I hope the tearing and burning stop after surgery. I want to see well, do my housework, and be independent.'

Penlope is a 42-year-old mother of three children, with all her children in school. She does farming together with her husband and what they earn helps to meet their day to day needs. Penlope is expecting a new baby and has been having antenatal care at Nyakibale Hospital. At her last visit, the medical team has recommended she delivery via cesarian section to ensure a safe delivery. She is not able to raise the funds needed for surgery and appeals for help. Penlope shared: “I hope to deliver well this time, in safe hands, and I expect all to be well with your support.”

U Nyan is a 62-year-old man who lives with his wife in Mon State, Burma. He used to work as a tricycle taxi driver as well as a day labourer but since he had stroke around three months ago, he stopped working. His wife also had a stroke and cannot work. They have a daughter who works across the border in Bangkok, and she sends them some money every three or four months. However, the amount that her daughter sends is not enough for U Nyan and his wife for their daily expenses and they shared that, occasionally, their neighbor also gives them food. Recently, U Nyan noticed a small lump on his left elbow, which rapidly became enlarged and painful. Currently, U Nyan is in a lot of pain and cannot sleep. After seeking treatment at various clinics and hospitals, U Nyan was finally referred to Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH) where he was diagnosed with an abscess around his left elbow joint and scheduled for surgery on May 9th. When he told the doctor that he could not afford to pay for his surgery, the doctor referred him to our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund for financial assistance accessing surgery. He has already borrowed about $350 so far to help with his diagnosis and treatment, and people in his community have pitched in to support him financially. Our medical partner is helping him raise $760 for his surgery. “After surgery I want to go home and look after my wife. I want to listen to sermons, meditate and do good deeds,” shared U Nyan.