Elise Gumaer

Elise Gumaer and her two sisters are growing up seeing and hearing incredible stories about the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of profound loss and oppression. The girls live in Thailand with their parents, Steve and Oddny Gumaer, founders of nonprofit Partners Relief & Development. The programs Elise's parents have created provide shelter, food, medical aid, education, spiritual support, and hope to tens of thousands of orphans and refugees from Burma. Visit the Partners Relief & Development Blogcast to read some of the compelling stories of people whose lives this organization — and this family — are saving and lifting up. You can help support Partners' work by donating here or by purchasing a "Give Back" tee or handmade products that benefit this remarkable organization.

My Mom and Dad always told me it was important to help others in need, but even though our family works with refugees I sometimes forget why.

Boys from Karen State in Burma pray at a refugee camp sustained by Partners Relief & Development, founded by Elise’s parents Steve and Oddny Gumaer.