Dah is a 52-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and a son in the village in Karen State, Burma. Dah and her husband work as agricultural day laborers. Currently, Dah experiences back pain while sitting for long periods. She was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Dah's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Dah is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on June 25th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Dah's procedure and care. Dah said, “We do not have work every day. If there is work available but I have back and stomach pain, I cannot work, so we do not have income for the day that I did not get to work. I wish I could get the surgery and be free from this pain, but I do not have the money. Thank you so much for helping me. Without your help, I had decided that I would just stay with the stone inside me for the rest of my life.”

Chan is 54 years old and a rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, a grocery seller. They have three grown children: one works for a private company, one is a construction worker, and the youngest is a rice farmer. In addition to farming rice, he often works as a day laborer to earn extra income and support his family. Approximately eight months ago, Chan was involved in a car accident while traveling as a passenger. During the collision, he was thrown against the interior of the vehicle and sustained a fracture of his right upper arm. He initially sought treatment from a traditional healer, but the fracture failed to heal properly and developed into a non-union. He experiences ongoing pain, weakness, and limited function in his right arm. The injury makes it difficult for him to lift, carry, and perform physical work, affecting both his farming activities and his ability to earn income for his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 3rd, Chan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, where surgeons will perform open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure is expected to reduce pain, restore strength and function to his arm, and help him return to work and daily activities more comfortably. Chan can contribute $100, but needs help raising an additional $500 to fund his procedure and care. Chan said, “I have lived with this injury for many months. I hope the surgery will help my arm heal properly so I can work again, support my family, and live without pain.”

Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."