Doem is a 59-year-old Khmer classical musician from Cambodia. He has one son, one daughter, and three grandchildren. In addition to helping his family plant crops, Doem and his music group play for wedding parties in his province. Two months ago, the retina of Doem's right eye detached, causing him blurry vision and tears. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Doem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three-and-a-half hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $648 procedure. Doem said, "I want to return to playing music, but I also need my eyes to help my family with our crops because I am the only one who knows how to drive the harvesting motorbike."

Thaung is a 57-year-old man who lives with his relatives in a village in Burma. He has two daughters and two sons from his previous marriage. He works as an agricultural day laborer earning around 17,500 kyat (approx 17.50 USD) in a month. This income is not enough to cover his daily needs nor pay for basic health care. One of his daughters, who works as a day laborer in the market, supports him partially. However, she is not able to give him a lot of money as she needs to support her own family as well. In June 2020, Thaung was working in the field. While working, his sandal slipped off and he stepped on a stick which cut the sole of his right foot. He treated the cut with traditional medicine but over time his right foot became swollen and painful. He also developed a fever and chills. He then went to a nearby clinic for treatment but he did not feel better. His friends then suggested that he seek treatment at Mawlamyine Christine Leprosy Hospital (MCLH). When Thaung arrived at MCLH, the doctor assessed his right foot and saw that the wound had now become infected and swollen. The wound also emitted a foul smell. The doctor diagnosed him with an ulcer as well as diabetes, and said he needed to receive surgery. When his daughter agreed to borrow money to pay for it, Thaung underwent a wound debridement surgery. Following the operation, he had the dressing on his wound changed daily. However, later on the doctor told him that he hand to undergo surgery for a second time. When Thaung told the doctor neither he nor his daughter could afford to pay for his second surgery, the doctor referred him to MCLH's partner organization, Burma Children Medical Fund, for assistance accessing the surgery. Currently the ulcer on Thaung's right sole is not healing well. He is also worried about borrowing any more money because he cannot earn enough to pay back a loan. Fortunately our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. Now, they are asking for your help to fund Thuang's $694 medical treatment.

Stephen is a 3-year-old boy from Kenya. He's a playful boy and runs to grab a seat with his mother’s phone in his hand while meeting with our local Watsi rep. A week after his mother gave birth to him at home, she took him to a nearby clinic for the general examination. The physician diagnosed him with a birth malformation and referred them to BethanyKids Hospital for treatment. Upon arrival, Stephen was reviewed, some tests were done and he had a first surgery to rectify the condition through a hypospadias repair surgery. Later on, additional surgeries and tests were completed as a follow up. In the process, Stephen has developed a right inguinal hernia that the doctor noticed during his follow-up clinical visit. Stephen does not complain of any pain, but the swelling is very evident. The surgery will stop the swelling and any complications that Stephen may experience in the future. Stephen’s mother is a tailor and his father fetches water for neighbors to earn a living. The few surgeries and expensive tests that were done on Stephen have depleted their family of money to fund the surgery. With no extra source of income, their family of three struggles to sustain themselves and Stephen’s mother is appealing for financial help. Fortunately, on September 24th, he will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $554 to fund Stephen's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Stephen’s mother says, “It is hard for us to raise any money for the surgery. Any financial help to us will be appreciated.”