Hnin is a 65-year-old woman who lives with her two daughters and two granddaughters in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. The family is originally from Bago Division in Burma. Hnin is retired, while one of her daughters works in a garment factory, and the other is a homemaker; her granddaughters are both students. The family income is not always enough to cover the cost of their daily expenses, so they sometimes need to borrow money from their neighbors, or the working daughter takes an advance on her paycheck from the factory where she works. The family lives with another couple that helps in paying rent, but they do not share any other resources. Due to Hnin’s health condition, they have had to borrow money for treatment and transportation costs. In 2010, Hnin was in a motorbike accident where she injured both knees. She went to a local clinic, but they did not perform an x-ray or examination, they only gave her medication for the pain. After the accident, Hnin’s knees would occasionally cause her pain, which she would treat with pain medication and traditional Burmese medicine. In January 2023, Hnin’s knee pain became worse, and her knees swelled, so she went to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot where she was given pain medication, and referred to physiotherapy. However, the physiotherapy and follow-up appointments at MTC did not help much. The pain in her knees was worsening, so she stopped going but continued treating the pain with medication and traditional medicine. In January 2026, Hnin began having shaky legs when standing, and her knees were increasingly stiff, so she went to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in Mae Sot on 2nd February 2026. There she underwent an x-ray and was told that she had osteoarthritis in her knees which has progressed to last stage, and only surgery would help. She was given medication, a cane, and a follow-up appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. When she attended her appointment, she underwent another x-ray, and the doctor explained about her severe osteoarthritis and advised surgery. As she can only undergo surgery one knee at a time, the doctor advised her to have surgery on her right knee, since it was causing her the most pain. Presently, Hnin spends much of her time lying down or sitting and cannot help with most housework. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Hnin receive treatment. On March 12th, she will undergo surgery to relieve pain and improve her mobility. Now, Hnin's family needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. She says, "After treatment and recovery, I look forward to going to the monastery to meditate again, as I used to do this before my knees caused me so much trouble. Thank you for your support for my treatment”.

Nalin is a 78-year-old retired tailor from Phnom Penh from Cambodia. She is widow whose husband died during Khmer Rouge, and has three children and 13 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter who is a house maker. At home, she enjoys listen to the monks' sermon on the radio and take care of her grandchildren. Nalin is diabetic, and about a month ago, her right eye's retina detached, causing her blurred vision, redness and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Nalin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On February 25th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Nalin needs help to fund this $706 procedure. She says: "I hope that after my surgery, my eye will be able to see better than now. I look forward to being able to recognize places, and walk on my own.

Tewodros is an active and sociable two-year-old boy from Ethiopia, who loves watching cartoons and playing football. He has an older sister, and they live in a full household with their parents, aunt, and cousins. Since his father works as a daily laborer and his mother works as a cleaner, he spends most of his day under the care of his aunt. When he was barely a year old, Tewodros's parents noticed he was having difficulty urinating. Worried, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Tewodros was placed on a two-year surgery waiting list, due to the high number of children needing treatment. The alternative would be a private hospital, but Tewodros's parents could not afford the necessary fees. The family was finally referred to BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). They were overjoyed to finally receive the help they needed. Tewodros is now scheduled for surgery on May 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Tewodros's mother says, "I would like to thank BKMCM. I was so worried about my son starting school. We hope the organization continues to grow, and that Tewodros remains healthy."