Panha is a happy child from Kampong Chhnang province, approximately two hours away from the capital of Phnom Penh. She lives with her parents, an older sister, and her grandparents. Her father works in a local cloth weaving factory, her mother sells groceries, and her grandparents are rice farmers. At home, Panha likes to help her mother with the groceries and play with dolls. Her favorite meal is fried chicken and soup. Panha was born with macrodactyly of the toes on her left foot. Macrodactyly is a condition where toes or fingers are abnormally large due to the overgrowth of bone and soft tissue. Her parents are worried that as she grows, she may have difficulty walking, wearing shoes, and being teased by other kids when she starts school. Because her family could not afford care for her, a clinic referred her to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), where they hoped she could receive free or low-cost care. Doctors at CSC have determined that one of her toes needs to be amputated, and two other toes must be disarticulated (separated from the joint to avoid further disfigurement). Her parents need assistance with the cost of the $479 operation to cover the cost of surgery, medications, hospitalization, and physical therapy post-operation. Panha's mother said: "I hope my daughter's foot will look normal like her other foot. We want her to walk without problems as she grows and hope children will not make fun of her when she goes to school."

Chanseth is a 23-year-old factory worker who lives with his parents and four siblings in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. His older brother works with his parents on a rice farm; Chanseth and two of his sisters work in a local factory, and their 10-year-old sister is in grade three at the local public school. When he is not working in the factory, Chanseth helps his brother and parents on the rice farm. In August 2022, Chanseth was injured in a motorcycle accident, fracturing his left humerus (upper arm bone), and sustaining multiple superficial wounds on his arm. Originally, his arm was just splinted. Two months later, Chanseth went to a local government hospital to see if they could help with the repair of the fracture. It has now been eight months, and Chanseth's arm is still non-functional. He cannot raise his shoulder or use his arm. Chanseth was 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. Because of the damage to his tendons and nerves, Chanseth is unable to work. He will require a nerve and tendon transfer to improve his shoulder function to regain the use of his hand. Chanseth sought help at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On March 28th, he will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the only facility in the country where this treatment is available. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Chanseth said: "After surgery, I hope that they can fix my fracture and I can use my hand to go back to work."

Kyi is a 57-year-old woman, living with her husband in Burma. They shared that together they do not have children and they love to dedicate their time to helping others in their community. Kyi's husband volunteers with the Karen Forestry Department, helps with household chores, and grows rice and vegetables, while also raising chickens for them to eat. Kyi works in a medical clinic helping patients and is training in emergency obstetric care in Thailand. Kyi experiences back and abdominal pain, fatigue and weakness, and other symptoms. Doctors determined that Kyi suffers from gallstones; she has been advised to have her gallbladder removed to heal her symptoms and prevent further complications with her health in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Kyi is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on April 7th, at Mae Sot General Hospital. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Kyi's procedure and care. Kyi is determined to have a big impact in her community and shared: "I want to be healthy so that I can devote my mind, body, and work to fully serving my people until my last breath.”

Baraka is a very active and jovial 7-year-old boy. Baraka and his twin brother are the only children in the family. His parents separated when they were still young babies and left them under the care of their grandmother. When Baraka was 1 year old, his grandmother noticed that she could not feel both of his testes. She took Baraka to the hospital where he was examined and diagnosed with bilateral undescended testes. Due to lack of finances, she went home and never returned to the hospital. A few weeks ago, a friend referred her to a medical camp that was visiting the neighborhood. She rushed Baraka to the clinic, he was examined and referred to BethanyKids Hospital. Upon arrival, he was examined again and booked for the surgery he needs. Baraka's grandmother does casual laundry work or any house chores she comes across to raise a living for her grandchildren; their parents are out of reach and do not support them financially. She can not raise the required amount of money to cater for Baraka’s hospital bill and is seeking financial aid. Baraka was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Baraka has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Baraka will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 16th. AMHF is requesting $646 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Baraka’s grandmother says, “It is very difficult for me to even provide for them as work is hard to come by. Any help offered to us will be highly appreciated.”

Allan is a 4-month-old baby and the second born in a family of two children. Allan’s mother is a homemaker, while his father works as a boda-boda taxi driver. Their family lives in a 2-room rental house and shared that they do not currently have any insurance coverage and cannot cover the costs of the procedure that Allan needs. Allan is experiencing a left inguinal hernia, which requires surgery to address the risk of complications. Without treatment, there is a risk that the hernia can become stuck or block blood flow to the intestine. Fortunately, on November 24th, Allan will undergo repair surgery at the hospital of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). AMH is requesting $585 to fund Allan’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably. Allan’s mother shared, “Our baby is small and already having several hospital visits. If not treated, this will affect his life even in the future.”

Vanna is a 68-year-old farmer with three sons and two grandchildren. Vanna lives with her husband who is also a farmer. She likes to listen to the news on the radio. Three years ago, Vanna developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for five and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 23rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and will place an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Vanna says, "I hope my eye can see clearly after surgery. I want to go to the rice field with my husband again and plant some vegetables around my house for extra income."

Chron is a 58-year-old rice farmer. He has two daughters, three sons, and three grandchildren. Chron lives with his wife who is also a farmer and their youngest daughter who is in school. Chron also goes fishing at times to earn extra income for their family. Three years ago, Chron developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision, photophobia, and itchiness. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and now going places outside. When Chron learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 27th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and will place an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Chron says, "I hope my eye can see clearly after surgery so I can go back to the rice field to help my wife and go fishing again."