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.”

Agatha is a mother of two from Uganda. Her father passed before she was born, and she was raised by her mother. She went to school until 4th grade but was unfortunately unable to finish. She is married and a mother of two, her children are 5 and 7 years old. Her husband is a soldier in the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces. She enjoys farming, but they currently do not have the land to accommodate it. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children. She is currently pregnant with twins. Her doctors at Rushoroza Hospital recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because the first twin is breech. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and children. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Agatha undergo a C-section on February 23rd. This procedure will cost $214, and Agatha needs your support. Agatha says, “I believe I will have a successful surgery with a positive outcome. After complete recovery, I continue to take care of our children. May God protect you.”

Anne, a seven-month-old baby from Kati, is adored by her parents and three siblings. Anne was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. She previously underwent surgery to correct the condition, but the surgery was unsuccessful. She requires a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain and reduce intercranial pressure. Without treatment, Anne will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is helping Anne receive treatment at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only site in the country where this care is currently available. On April 10th, surgeons will perform a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery, giving an opportunity for Anne to grow into a strong and healthy young girl. Now, Anne's family needs help to fund this $957 procedure. Anne's mother says: "I hope this surgery will allow my daughter to grow up healthy"