U Sanda is a 32-year-old monk from Burma. He has been a monk for over 15 years, and lives with other monks at a monastery. He does not earn an income, and relies on food donated at the monastery by local people. When he becomes ill, his best friend helps cover the cost of his basic medical treatment. U Sanda was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. U Sanda is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 21st at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital to correct his atrial septal defect, and improve his quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of U Sanda's procedure and care. U Sanda said, “All of the costs of my previous investigations were covered by my best friend. If BCMF and the donors do not help me, I would choose to suffer rather than continue receiving treatment, because I know the cost is very expensive.”

Aye Aye is a 36-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her family moved to the camp in 2024 due to the conflict in her village in Karen State, Burma. She and her husband are teachers at the same school, earning a modest monthly income. The family’s combined income is enough to cover their daily expenses, and they receive basic health care at the hospital in the camp for free, but they cannot afford expensive treatment costs for advanced procedures. Aye Aye also periodically supports her mother, who remains in Burma, with financial assistance. During her free time, she loves to listen to gospel music while planning her teaching lessons, and enjoys going to church on Saturdays. Aye Aye is currently expecting her first child, and her baby is in a breech position. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child during delivery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, has scheduled Aye Aye for a C-Section on August 13th at their care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. The procedure will cost $1500. Aye Aye said, “When I heard that I need to give birth through a C-section, I became so worried, and my husband is running around to ask for help as we both cannot afford this high cost. However, when the medic later informed us that there is an organization and they will find donors to help us with the delivery cost, we both felt so happy that we don't know how to explain how we feel. Thank you for helping me as a refugee. We can’t imagine how life would go without your support. Thank you very much, and I pray that you will be blessed, wealthy, and healthy in your life for your kind support.”

Lydia is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious meals as a way to sustain a longer and healthier life for herself. She also enjoys watching television to relax. Above all, she remains grateful for the support of her children and does her best to manage her needs while being mindful of their own responsibilities. A year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lydia receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Lydia's procedure and care. Lydia said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I hope to recover so I can move more comfortably, care for myself better, and lessen the burden on my children."