Six-year-old Siya is from India and lives with her parents and three siblings. Her father sells vegetables for a living, while her mother takes care of the home and the children. Two months ago, Siya suffered an electric burn. The wound healed, but it left behind a contracture: scar tissue has tightened and pulled the index finger of her right hand into a bent position. She can no longer straighten it fully. At an age when she should be learning to hold a pencil, draw, write her letters, and play freely, her hand is holding her back. Siya has been advised to undergo surgery to release the contracture. Without it, the scar can tighten further as she grows, and her finger may become permanently stiff. Fortunately, our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, can help. Siya will undergo surgery on October 9th, and she needs help raising $929 to fund her procedure and care. With timely surgery and follow-up care, Siya has a real chance of regaining the movement in her finger, so she can grip a pencil, write, eat, and dress herself. Siya's grandmother shared, “We are grateful that she is receiving this surgery.”

Sineth is a 13-year-old 8th grade student from Kampong Cham Province in Cambodia. She lives with her parents and younger sister, who is in Grade 4. Her parents are rice farmers and work hard to support their family. Sineth enjoys studying Khmer literature, which is her favorite subject at school, and hopes to become a doctor in the future. In her free time, she likes listening to music and chatting with her friends. Her favorite food is fried pork with ginger. Sineth has scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, often resembling a "C" or "S" shape. Her spinal curve has gradually worsened over the past three years and is now approximately 50 degrees in the thoracolumbar region. Although she does not currently experience pain, the increasing curvature affects her posture and makes it difficult for her to sit comfortably for long periods. This can make it harder for her to stay comfortable and concentrate during class, and the curvature may continue to worsen as she grows. Sineth's family was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), by another hospital. They traveled approximately four hours from Kampong Cham to seek specialized care. On August 17th, surgeons at CSC plan to perform posterior spinal fusion to help straighten and stabilize her spine and prevent the curvature from worsening. She needs $1,500 in support to cover the cost of her surgery and related medical care. This treatment will help support her spinal health as she continues to grow and allow her to remain active and continue her education. Sineth's parents said, “We hope that this surgery will help straighten and stabilize our daughter’s spine and prevent her scoliosis from getting worse. We wish for her to grow well, stay active, and continue her studies and daily activities with confidence and comfort.”

Siya is a 35-year-old salon worker from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who works as an ice seller. They have two children; the eldest is in Grade 6, and the younger one is in Grade 1. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. Siya had a medical incident when she was three years old, leaving her with a muscle contracture and abnormal gait. She has difficulty walking as it causes her pain. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Siya receive treatment. On May 18th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to improve her walking ability, reduce pain and functional limitation, and help her regain a more comfortable gait and better quality of life. Siya can contribute $50, but needs help raising $522 more to fund her procedure and care. Siya said, “After the treatment, I hope that I will be able to walk normally again without pain or difficulty, and live my daily life with confidence without being teased by others.”

Neang is an 83-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. She is a widow as her husband died 5 years ago due to kidney failure. She has two sons and five grandchildren. She lives alone near her oldest son, who is a farmer. Neang likes to go to the pagoda and join the ceremony. About two years ago, Neang developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Neang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 11th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure and care. Neang said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better, so I can easily recognize my relatives and go out."

Kanha is a four-year-old girl from Cambodia. She is the middle of three children and lives with her parents and two brothers in Kompong Thom Province. Her father repairs cars, while her mother sells groceries. Her older brother is 8 years old, and her younger brother is 12 months old. She enjoys eating fried pork and chicken and spending time playing with her toys. About five months ago, Kanha suffered extensive burns to both feet in a house fire. She was initially treated at a governmental hospital before being referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for continued care of the burn scars and resulting contractures. Severe burn scar contractures have developed on both feet, restricting their movement and previously making it difficult for her to walk. The tight scars have affected the position and function of her feet and make it difficult to wear shoes. On September 15th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight scars and support better positioning of both feet, making it easier for her to move and walk as she continues to recover. Now, she needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Kanha's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter’s feet heal in a better position and make it easier for her to walk. She is still very young, and I want her to be able to move freely, play with other children, and grow up without being limited by her injuries.”

Rin is a 25-year-old chef from Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. She lives with her sister. Her parents passed away one year ago, and her six siblings are all married and living with their own families. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music. At the age of nine, Rin had a knee abscess in her right knee that was treated at a private clinic. Over time, the infection led to lasting joint damage, and she has since developed osteoarthritis of the right knee. She experiences persistent pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, making it hard to manage her work as a chef and daily activities such as using stairs. Fortunately, on May 7th, Rin will undergo knee fusion surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Rin can contribute $100, but needs help raising an additional $500 to fund her surgery and care. This procedure will help stabilize the joint, reduce her pain, and improve her mobility. Rin said, "After the surgery, I hope that my pain and swelling will be relieved, and that I will be able to move my right knee more comfortably. I also hope to regain better mobility and improve my ability to carry out daily activities without difficulty."

Sorphorn is a 42-year-old snack seller from Cambodia. She lives with her husband and two children in Takeo Province. Her husband sells snacks in front of a factory, and she also sells snacks to support the family. Her older child is in Grade 12, while her younger child is in Grade 4. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. In 2018, Sophorn slipped and twisted her left ankle, causing a closed fracture of the left distal fibula. She was treated at a private clinic after the accident, where doctors performed surgery and placed a metal plate to stabilize the fracture. She can walk well and has normal ankle movement, but she sometimes experiences pain around her left ankle, especially when standing for long periods. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On September 1st, Sorphorn will undergo a hardware removal procedure to reduce her occasional ankle discomfort and allow her to stand and move more comfortably while working and carrying out her daily activities. Her family can contribute $75, but needs help raising $303 more to fund her procedure and care. Sophorn said, “I hope removing the plate will relieve the occasional pain in my ankle and help me move more comfortably. I look forward to continuing my daily activities without the discomfort from the hardware.”

Bet is a 76-year-old woman from Cambodia. She retired farmer, who used to grow rice and sell Khmer noodles. She currently lives with her nieces, who work in a garment factory. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks pray over the phone and attending religious ceremonies. About two years ago, Bet developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Bet learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Bet has contributed towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help in raising an additional $251. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so that I can see more clearly, move around independently when I return home, recognize my relatives, and participate in religious ceremonies more easily."

Nidhi is a 16-year-old girl from India. She lives in Mirzamurad, a village near Varanasi in northern India. She lives with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Her father works as a halwai, preparing traditional Indian sweets to support the family. Nidhi is currently in the 9th grade and loves dancing. When she was just 2½ years old, Nidhi accidentally fell into a container of hot sugar syrup being used to make gulab jamuns, a sweet dessert. She sustained severe burns to her right chest and arm. Although she received wound care at the time, her family was unable to access reconstructive surgery. As Nidhi grew, the burn scars tightened and developed into contractures, affecting her right breast and elbow. These scars have restricted movement and altered her appearance during adolescence, a time when many young people become increasingly aware of their bodies and self-image. Nidhi's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On June 19th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight burn scars on Nidhi’s right chest and elbow, improving both movement and comfort. The procedure is expected to increase the range of motion in her arm, making everyday activities such as dressing, writing, carrying schoolbooks, and participating in household tasks easier. The surgery will also address the contracture affecting her right breast, allowing for more normal development and reducing the physical discomfort and asymmetry caused by the scar tissue. By reducing the limitations caused by her burn scars, the surgery will allow Nidhi to participate more freely in school, social activities, and her favourite hobby, dancing. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Nidhi shared, "I hope this treatment will make everyday activities easier for me."

Carolina is a 19-year-old second-year university student from Malawi. She is a twin and the firstborn in a family of four children. Her father works as a weighbridge operator, while her mother earns a living by selling chickens. Three years ago, Carolina was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. Since then, she has experienced frequent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss, leading to repeated absences from school. She has sought care at different hospitals without lasting improvement. With her university examinations coming up in June 2026, she is eager to get the treatment she needs and focus on her studies. Fortunately, on May 6th, Carolina will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She is raising $575 to fund the surgery, which will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. "Thank you for your consideration towards my condition. I am patiently waiting for my healing that will change my life and brighten my future as a student," said Caroline.

Stanley is a 64-year-old father of four from Malawi. To provide income for his family, Stanley works as a car sales representative and at a local motorcycle shop, though he admits that his income is often insufficient to fully support them. For the past six months, Stanley has been experiencing abdominal swelling and discomfort. At first, the symptoms were subtle, but over the last two weeks they have become more severe, leaving him with increasing pain and difficulty in walking. This has made both work and home life very challenging. Stanley has been diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. Stanley needs a hernia repair procedure, but with his current income, he cannot afford the cost of surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Stanley undergo hernia repair surgery on April 20th. This procedure will cost $500, and Stanley needs your support to fund the procedure. Stanley said, “I am struggling with this condition, which has made my life very difficult. I wish to be able to work and provide for my family again, without pain. I truly hope I can receive support, because I cannot manage raising the funds on my own.”