Ernesto is a widower and father of three from the Philippines. Ernesto enjoys watching TV and using his mobile phone during his free time. He is currently unemployed due to his condition and physical limitations as a senior citizen. He helps his children by taking care of his grandchildren and accompanying them to school every day. He lives with his second child and is dependent on his income as a driver. Six months ago, Ernesto began experiencing numbness in his foot and upper body. He was diagnosed with inguinal bilateral hernia and was advised to undergo surgery. On March 9th, Ernesto will have hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Ernesto's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ernesto shared, "I hope you can continue to help more people like us. I am very grateful and I will carry your kindness in me until my dying breath. Thank you very much."

Mu is a 62-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her family in a village in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. She works as a day laborer and housekeeper. She also collects and sells recyclable materials for additional income to support her daily needs. In September 2023, Mu accidentally fell down the stairs and fractured her hip, making it difficult for her to walk and move her legs. She is in constant pain, affecting her ability to sleep and perform her daily tasks. Fortunately, Mu learned about our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). At BCMF's care center, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Mu of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for March 1st and Mu needs help raising $1,500 to pay for this procedure. “I felt sad and depressed when I realized I needed surgery because I couldn’t afford to pay for it,” said Mu. “I am also concerned about my ability to take care of myself. I was thrilled and felt grateful to all the donors and BCMF when I learned they would help pay for my treatment. I want to take care of myself without anyone’s help. I don’t want to put anyone under unnecessary pressure. Along with that, I want to walk like I used to again.”

Pi is a 14-year-old boy who lives with his aunt, uncle, grandmother, and nine-year-old cousin in a village in Karen State, Burma. His uncle and aunt are subsistence hillside farmers, and their family has barely enough food. Pi usually helps his aunt with farming and household chores. They receive free basic healthcare at the clinic close to their village. On April 20th, 2024, Pi had climbed a Marian Plum tree to pick some fruits. Unfortunately, he fell from the tree, sustaining an injury to his lower back. Pi's aunt immediately brought him to the local clinic, where he was examined and referred to a hospital for treatment. Following the advice, Pi's aunt promptly took him to the local hospital where the doctor conducted a physical examination, x-ray and ultrasound. He was treated with intravenous infusion and pain medication. After reviewing the assessment results, the doctor diagnosed him with a fracture of two or three spine vertebrae in his lower back. Pi's aunt was informed that Pi might need surgery and was advised to go to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in Thailand, for further treatment. On April 21, 2024, Pi and his aunt arrived at MSH, where the doctor conducted a physical examination and scheduled Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on April 22, 2024. Pi's family is unable to fund the cost and needs your help to raise the $681 required for the procedure. Currently, Pi cannot stand or walk; he has to lie on the bed, and a urinary catheter has also been inserted. He also experiences pain in his lower back. Pi's aunt expressed her gratitude, saying, "I did not know how to manage his injury. I am glad to receive help from the Burma Children's Medical Fund and donors." "Thank you for your assistance." Pi added, "Thank you for helping me with my treatment costs."