Ashin Mala is a 30-year-old monk from Burma. He became a monk a year ago and currently lives in a monastery in Karen State. He receives two meals a day and cash donations from worshippers. In October 2022, he visited the house of a member of the ethnic armed group in the village. At the home, a child was playing with a pistol and accidentally shot the gun, hitting a wall. Unfortunately, a part of the bullet ricocheted off the wall and hit Mala in his left eye. Immediately, Ashin Mala was brought to a hospital, where an X-ray showed that bullet shards were lodged under his left eye. The doctor removed most of the bullet shards and closed the gunshot wound. Though time has since passed, he still feels pain in his left eye and has lost vision in that eye. He has also developed itchiness and a burning sensation in that eye. Eventually, he was brought to Mae Sot Hospital in Thailand, where, with the help of Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) and Watsi donors, he underwent a CT scan. The results showed multiple foreign bodies in his left eye, most likely shards left from the bullet, and indicated that his left eyeball was most likely ruptured. He was then referred to Chiang Mai Hospital (CMH), where an ophthalmologist told him they would have to remove his left eyeball. He was then admitted for surgery at CMH on February 22nd. Mala needs help raising $1500 to fund this procedure that will relieve him of his pain. Ashin Mala said, "I believe my pain will disappear after the operation. I want to get rid of the pain. Afterward, I will work hard to attend Dhamma University. I want to become a preacher. I will preach about Dharma [the teachings of Buddha] around my country.”

Thin is a 20-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his mother, father, and older brother in Kampong Thom province. When he is not in the rice paddies, he likes to play volleyball with his friends. A week ago, Thin suffered an injury to his left forearm from a rice harvest. He went to a local clinic for wound care but was still in pain. At the suggestion of a villager, the family drove three and a half hours to reach our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for further care. Doctors at CSC diagnosed Thin with compartment syndrome in his injured forearm. This is a condition that occurs when pressure within the damaged muscles builds to dangerous levels. This puts pressure on nerves and muscles. This can be very traumatizing for a young man. Thin is in pain, cannot move his arm, and there is no pulse on that extremity. Although doctors hoped to save his arm, it was determined that he needs an amputation. The cost of this procedure is $479, and Thin and his family need help to raise the fund. Thin hopes to be relieved of his pain after the surgery. Thin's mother said, "We are worried about our son, and hope after the surgery his pain will be less."

Neap is a 75-year-old retired rice farmer, mother, and grandmother. She has two sons, seven daughters, and twenty grandchildren. After her husband passed away, Neap moved in with one of her daughters, who supports them by working as a rice farmer. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the radio and visiting her local pagoda. About a year ago, Neap developed a cataract in her left eye, causing itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Neap learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours to seek treatment. On March 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Neap said, "After surgery I want to see more clearly so I can take care of my family."