Meet Samnang, a 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia who loves eating mangos and rice porridge and playing with his two older sisters. His parents work in a nearby village as potato and corn farmers. As Samnang is not in school yet, he stays home with relatives. In February 2023, Samnang suffered burns from a gasoline fire near his house. He was immediately taken to a hospital in a nearby province for treatment, where he remained for one month. Samnang has continued to receive follow-up care at a clinic closer to his house. The doctors there suggested the family travel to Phnom Penh to seek further care for burn scarring. Samnang's left hand has developed burn scar contractures, tightening the skin around his fingers and wrist and limiting the function of his hand. When Samnang's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for six and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 1st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help improve his hand function. CSC is requesting $495 to fund this surgery. His family raised $100 for his care. His mother shared her hope that, with treatment, Samnang can use his hand more easily and be able to do things independently.

Simai is a teenager from Cambodia. He hopes to pursue a career in international technology after he completes his schooling. Three months ago, Simai was in a severe traffic accident and fractured his spine. This condition has made it difficult to sit in school for long periods and causes a lot of discomfort. Surgery can help correct the position of his spine, and prevent further worsening of the condition. Spinal surgery is scheduled for March 13 and will cost $930. He says, "I hope that after surgery I am able to walk normally and go back to school."

Meet Rin, a 51-year-old rice and crop farmer living in Cambodia. She and her husband have four sons, one daughter, and one grandchild. “In her spare time she enjoys going to the pagoda to listen to the monks pray…she also likes listening to the radio,” says our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “One year ago, Rin developed a cataract in her left eye after an injury with wood,” explains CSC. A cataract is the clouding of one’s normally clear eye lens. Rin’s impaired vision has made it difficult for her to farm and earn her usual income. “It is hard to do my work very well or go anywhere outside that far,” says Rin. For $150, Rin can undergo a phacoemulsification surgery and receive an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. During surgery, the cataract is broken into small pieces and then extracted. An IOL is then used to replace the eye’s natural lens. CSC expects that after the surgery, Rin’s eye will be healed. “I hope I can see everything clearly again after treatment so I can do my work at the farm,” says Rin.

Meet Nai Sean, a 70-year-old woman from Cambodia. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us that Nai Sean, “spends her time going to the pagoda to join in ceremonies and listen to the monks pray. She also does work around her home.” About two years ago, Nai Sean developed a pterygium in her right eye. The pterygium--a non-cancerous growth of conjunctiva covering the cornea--has caused a thin, filmy layer to form over her eye lens. CSC explains, “This causes her blurred vision, redness, tearing, irritation, and itchiness. It is hard for her to see clearly, go anywhere outside, or do her work very well.” Nai Sean's neighbor had surgery at CSC and recommended Nai Sean do the same. “Nai Sean and her niece traveled 7 hours together to CSC for treatment,” CSC shares. For $150, Nai Sean can receive a low-risk procedure to remove her pterygium and relieve the burning, pain and itchiness Nai Sean is experiencing. “I hope my aunt is looking good and feeling better than now,” says Nai Sean’s niece.