Meet Samphors, a 46-year-old farmer who lives in Cambodia with his wife and five children. He enjoys cleaning the land around his home, reading books, and watching TV. Earlier this year, Samphors fell from a tree and fractured his right femur. This crack in his bone causes him pain and makes it difficult for him to walk. Without surgery, his bone will not be able to properly heal, causing a lifetime of difficulty using his leg. Bone injuries such as Samphors' are very common in Cambodia, and are also relatively simple to fix. Unfortunately, most rural Cambodians do not have access to funds and adequate facilities for proper treatment. Samphors traveled three hours with his wife to reach Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for surgery. For $405, surgeons will perform an open reduction and internal fixation procedure to reposition Samphors' bone and secure it in place with pins while it heals. After keeping his leg wrapped in a cast for several weeks, the pins will be removed and Samphors will be able to walk easily and without pain again.

Linda is suffering from malnutrition and as a result her appetite and energy are low. Her weight and her height are far below the average for her age, and without intervention she is at risk of the long-term effects of malnutrition. Her mental and physical growth will be permanently stunted, preventing her from reaching her full potential. Her family already struggles to afford the most basic necessities, so if her health declines further, they will be unable to afford a hospital visit or doctor appointment. Her mother told our staff that she wants to do all she can for her daughter, but is just unsure at times what would be best and where their money is best spent to buy the most nutritious foods possible. Linda loves to play- she especially likes to pretend to cook, and imitates her mom making tortillas. She likes to eat beans and eggs, although eggs are difficult for her family to afford often. She lives with her parents and two siblings (ages 6 and 4 years old) in a small concrete block and wood panel house, with a metal lamina roof. This treatment will supply Linda with the growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication for her to recoup some of the weight and height he has lost. Her parents will receive intensive nutrition education thus building their confidence and ability to care for Linda and her siblings throughout their childhood. Intervention now will prevent the future devastating effects of malnutrition, and give Linda the chance to live a healthy productive life.

Savoeun is a 42-year-old man living with his wife and daughter in Cambodia. He is the religious leader of traditional Buddhist ceremonies, including weddings, the naming of newborns, and prayers for the fatally ill. He also acts as an adviser for the community on counseling and parenting, and also as a funeral attendant. 13 years ago, while working in Thailand, Savoeun fell victim to a crime incident involving murder and firearms. Savoeun was caught in the crossfire and had a bullet injury through his right knee, severing nerves and tendons. His injury was not treated, and he developed a Volkmann's contracture, which is when the limb has a severe lack of blood flow to the area due to swelling. When this happens for a prolonged period of time, like in Savoeun's case, tendons can scar and shorten causing clubfoot. He has lost sensation in his lower right leg, and is unable to walk comfortably. Savoeun needs surgical intervention to correct his tendons and start the healing process of his right leg, but he needs financial assistance. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, tells us that for $392 Savoeun can have his nerves and tendons reparation surgery. The total cost covers the procedure, supplies, and 2 days of inpatient care. Following the surgery, Savoeun will be able to start physical therapy and regain some functionality in his right leg. "I hope that I will eventually walk normally and the pain will stop after surgery," Savoeun says, "I look forward to working again in the community when I am healed."