Bona is a tuk tuk driver from Cambodia. He has one son and one daughter. He likes to listen to music, play sports, and spend time with his kids. One year ago, Bona 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 lift his arm and he cannot work. Bona traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 9, 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, "After the surgery I hope I can return to work soon and support my family."

Tiya is a girl from Cambodia. She is an only child. She enjoys studying mathematics and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She likes to eat fried fish and drink Coca Cola. She likes to play with her toys, read books, and go for walks with her family. Four years ago, Tiya's right hand was caught in a tread machine at a gym and she was injured. She developed a flexion contracture in her right and middle fingers after the trauma. Now, Tiya needs to undergo a contracture release operation on her right hand. Surgery is scheduled for January 8 and will cost $417. Her mother says, "I hope that my daughter feels better after the surgery and gains more confidence."

Maria is a student from Tanzania. She is the fourth in a family of six children. Maria has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Maria traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on January 4. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $890 to fund Maria's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk to school. Maria says, “I wish to be able to walk well like my school friends, please help me get this treatment.”

Yom is a seamstress from Cambodia. She has one daughter, one son, and three grandchildren. She likes to listen to the radio. Three years ago, Yom developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurry vision, itchiness, irritation, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Yom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On December 3, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $398 procedure. She says, "I hope I can see clearly so I can return home and to work. I look forward to joining in on ceremonies at the temple."

Meet Nyanhiel, a ten-year-old girl from South Sudan. She has six siblings. She has not yet started school. Two years ago, Nyanhiel developed a swelling on her jaw. This has been gradually increasing in size. She has been diagnosed with a mandibular mass and needs to undergo an excision surgery. If not treated, the swelling will continue to increase in size. Fortunately, she is scheduled to undergo surgery on December 13. Her family needs help raising $1,500 to fund this treatment. Nyanhiel says, “I want to be treated and hopefully start school someday."

Hen is a motorcycle taxi driver from Cambodia. He has been married for eighteen years and has two sons. He likes to practice sports, go fishing, and watch the news. Ten months ago, Hen was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right leg. It is difficult for him to walk, and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On December 11, Hen will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $430. This procedure will help him walk easily again. He says, "I hope my surgery is successful so I won't be in pain and I can return to work."

18-month-old Sunduk is the youngest of four children in a family from Nepal. His mother brought him to our medical partner, Possible, for treatment of a deep cut on his leg. “Sunduk was playing around when he lost his balance and fell down and ended up cutting his right leg with a sharp tin,” explains Possible. “The cut is three centimeters deep, and the area of injury is considerably swollen. He also has high fever and is in a lot of pain.” For $220, “Sunduk's cut wound will be stitched, and a clean dressing will be done to allow the wound to heal hygienically,” says Possible. Funding also covers the costs of blood work, food for Sunduk and his mother, antibiotics to prevent infection, and removal of the stitches after his wound has healed. “I wish for my son's treatment to happen as early as possible,” says Sunduk’s mother. “It's difficult to see him in so much pain.”

"A month ago, Thida was in a traffic accident that broke bones in her face," says our medical partner in Cambodia, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). "She is in pain everyday and it is hard for her to eat solid food and speak." 22-year-old Thida is newly married and works in a garment factory. She loves pop music radio and Khmer television. For $405, CSC can treat Thida's displaced bones and help her face return to its normal appearance. The treatment will also decrease swelling. Thida looks forward to supporting herself again, and not having her husband work less in order to care for her. Let's help Thida recover from her car accident and return to work!