Makara is a girl from Cambodia. She likes to listen to music, watch TV, and read books. She also likes to play with her two sisters. Makara was born with scoliosis, which is progressing with age and making it difficult to sit in school for long periods. It is also causing a lot of discomfort. Surgery can help correct the position of her spine and prevent further worsening of the condition. The procedure is scheduled for January 23 and will cost $1,500. Her mother says, "I hope that after the surgery, she will feel better, look better, and no longer have pain or trouble breathing."

Ruth is a mother of four and grandmother to four from Malawi. She is a farmer who is also responsible for household chores such as cleaning, fetching water, and tending to her garden. Since October 2016, Ruth has been experiencing abdominal pain and urinary pain. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is requesting $650 to fund Ruth's surgery. On October 23, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. The requested money pays for supplies, medications, and seven nights of hospital stay. She is very much looking forward to living a normal and healthy life again. She says, "I came here for surgery but am unable to pay for it myself, so thanks to this program I can have good care."

Hikma is a child from Ethiopia. She is a cute baby girl who loves to play with other chidlren and dolls. She also loves to eat fruits. Hikma was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Hikma is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on November 22. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Hikma's procedure and care. After her recovery, Hikma will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future.

Kyaw Zin is a ten-year-old student from Thailand. He lives with his parents in Mae Taung, Mae Sot, Tak Province. Three years ago, Kyaw Zin began to experience blurry vision. These symptoms have made it increasingly difficult for him to see clearly. Kyaw Zin was diagnosed with retinal detachment, a condition in which the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue in the eye, resulting in vision loss. If left untreated, he could lose vision completely. Kyaw Zin is scheduled to undergo surgery to reattach his retina on October 25. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. After surgery, Kyaw Zin's vision will hopefully be restored, and he will resume his daily activities comfortably. Kyaw Zin said, “I want to see my parents clearly. I want to play with my brother and I also want to go back to school.”

Sophea is a construction worker from Cambodia. He has a brother and a sister. He likes to play football with friends in his free time. Four months ago, Sophea was in a motor vehicle accident that caused paralysis of his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to move his left arm and has no feeling in his left hand. Sophea traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 2, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will be able to use his arm again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $637 to fund this procedure. He says, "I hope after the operation, I can use my arm again and have no pain."

Myo is a 46-year-old man from Thailand. He and his family are originally from Yangon Division, Burma. Myo and his family work on a farm, where they grow corn, beans, and rice. An ultrasound test revealed a thickened wall in Myo Kyaw’s gallbladder, an enlarged liver and bile duct, and some stones in his common bile duct. Currently, Myo is experiencing sharp pain whenever he inhales, which makes it difficult to breathe. Myo has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Myo's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Myo is scheduled to undergo his cholecystectomy on September 12. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Myo's procedure and care.

Sokban is a sixth grader from Cambodia. He likes to study mathematics, the Khmer language, and science. He enjoys eating fried pork and loves to read and play games with his friends. Five months ago, Sokban had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Sokban experiences ear discharge and tinnitus. It is difficult for him to hear clearly and pay attention in school. Sokban traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 10, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $842 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. His mother says, "I hope my son's surgery is successful and he can get back to school."

Megersa is a baby from Ethiopia. He loves to play and laugh with his parents. He is their second child. They are traditional farmers. Megersa was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, Megersa is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on August 9. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,231 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. His parents say, "It is our hope and prayer that he gets surgery.”

Jacqueline is a young student from Tanzania. She is the only child in her family. Her mother sells vegetables in the market, and her father works as a broker and construction worker. For four years, Jacqueline has been experiencing trouble breathing, regular fevers, and trouble eating. Frequent illness causes her to miss school, and this has affected her performance. Jacqueline was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $633 to fund a tonsillectomy for Jacqueline, which is scheduled to take place on June 14. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Jacqueline of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Jacquline says, “I cannot wait to be back to school and continue with my education without missing classes due to being sick. Thank you for helping me get treated.”

Hel Tha Gal is a two-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, and they are farmers. He loves to play with any toys that he sees. Hel Tha Gal was recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which has caused fluid to build up in his brain. Without immediate surgery to alleviate the intracranial pressure that the excess fluid is causing, he is at risk of developing severe, potentially fatal medical complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for Hel Tha Gal, which will drain the fluid that has accumulated in his brain. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18, and, once completed, will greatly improve Hel Tha Gal's quality of life. His father says, "I am looking forward to see my son recovering after his treatment."

Edoso is a baby from Ethiopia. He is a smiley toddler who loves to play and laugh with his mother. His father passed away a year ago, leaving his mother with six children. Edoso's mother rented out their small farm and is barely able to meet the needs of her family. Edoso was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Edoso is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on April 10. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Edoso's procedure and care. After his recovery, Edoso will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Edoso’s mother says, “I was a house wife. When I lost my husband, life got difficult because he was the one who supported the family. Now I am struggling with the financial needs of my family. I am trying to raise my children with the limited money I get from my rented land."

Musa is a 33-year-old man. About fifteen years ago, he noticed a swelling in a sensitive area. He never went to the hospital because he knew treatment would be too expensive. Finally, Musa was brought to our medical partner's care center. He was assessed by a doctor and was diagnosed with a large bilateral hydrocele. He needs surgery to treat the condition. Fortunately, Musa is now scheduled to undergo a hydrocelectomy on March 13. Our medical partner is requesting $428 to fund this procedure.