Myat lives with his elderly mother. He stopped working two years ago after a stroke left the right side of his body weak. He is now unemployed and relies on his mother’s support. His mother is a street vendor, selling foraged vegetables and plants as well as sticky rice that she makes. The income she earns is not enough for their daily needs. They survive thanks to the generosity of their neighbors, who support them with food and allow them to live on their land in a hut rent-free. Starting three years ago, Myat has experienced pain in his lower right abdomen whenever lifting something heavy and now the pain is more regular. At the beginning of December, the pain in his lower right abdomen increased and became constant. His neighbor lent him 50,000 kyat (approx. $50 USD) and told him to seek treatment at Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH). Myat traveled to the hospital and was admitted right away. A doctor completed a physical examination, diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia, and told him that he would need surgery. When Myat told the doctor that he cannot afford to pay for it, the doctor referred him to our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) for assistance accessing treatment. “When I recover, I want to sell traditional medicine again,” Myat shared with a renewed sense of hope that he might be able to finally have surgery.

Lazaro is a social and friendly 15-year-old student and the third born child in a family of nine children. His parents are small-scale farmers and livestock keepers. He is currently in class five, and his best subjects in school are social studies and mathematics. Lazaro was born with clubfoot of both feet, a condition in which the feet are twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Despite his condition, he tries to keep active and loves to play football. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Lazaro receive treatment. On December 17th, he will undergo clubfoot repair surgery at AMH's care center. After treatment, he will be able to run and play with friends more easily. Now, AMH is requesting $935 to fund Lazaro's procedure and care. Lazaro shared, "I would love to have normal feet like my siblings and friends. I will be so happy if it can be possible."

Beatrice is a small-scale farmer and a mother of two. She separated from her husband a long time ago and now takes care of her aunt’s house with her daughter while her other daughter lives with her uncle. Her firstborn is 22 years old and in the university while her second born is 12 years old and in secondary school class one. Around 12 years ago, Beatrice developed a painless swelling on her neck. It was initially small but as time went on, it started increasing in size. She thought it would disappear on its own. Currently, she feels uncomfortable and as if she is carrying a heavy load around her neck. She can no longer carry other loads on her head comfortably, which she needs to do on a day-to-day basis. She came to Rushoroza Hospital and the surgeon reviewed her and recommended surgery. Beatrice's family, however, cannot afford the care she needs. Beatrice traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 7th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Beatrice needs help to raise $145 to fund this procedure. Beatrice says, “I hope to be able to look normal and live a normal and more productive life again. I am worried and helpless. I hope to continue with farming once I recover.”