Thea Rith is a 17-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and three younger siblings in Kampot Province. His parents are rice farmers, and he is the oldest of four children. His younger brother is in Grade 10, while his two younger sisters are in Grades 7 and 5. Thea Rith had to stop studying in Grade 10 because of his injury. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and watching movies on his phone. His favourite food is korko fish soup. On November 30, 2024, he was involved in a motorbike accident that caused severe nerve damage to his entire left arm. He lost consciousness for approximately 10 minutes and was taken to a private clinic for examination. He later underwent nerve repair surgery in March 2025, which helped improve his shoulder and elbow movement. He 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. His injury has left him with weakness and limited movement in his left arm. Although his shoulder and elbow have become stronger after his previous surgery, his wrist remains weak, and he cannot move his fingers normally. This makes it difficult for him to use his left hand for everyday activities and affects his independence. On November 9th, Thea Rith will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. After recovery, he will be able to use his left hand more effectively, manage daily activities more independently, and eventually return to school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $712 to help fund his procedure and care. The Rith said, “I am happy that my shoulder and elbow have become stronger after the surgery. I hope my wrist and fingers will also improve so I can use my left arm more normally. I want to become more independent in my daily life and continue my studies without worrying about my arm.”

Sry is 72 years old and a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her husband, a retired teacher, and her grandson, who is in Grade 10. She has seven children, all of whom are married and live in nearby provinces. Although she is no longer working as a rice farmer, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. In 2017, Sry was struck by a cow and suffered a hip fracture. She underwent a left hip hemiarthroplasty. However, she has continued to experience pain in her left hip. Over the past year, the pain has become much worse, particularly when she moves her leg or at night. Walking has become difficult, and she now relies on a walking frame for support. This has affected her independence and made it harder for her to carry out daily activities and care for her vegetable garden. After learning about Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) through a relative, Sry decided to seek further treatment. On November 3rd, she is scheduled to undergo a left revision total hip replacement to address the acetabular erosion and improve her mobility. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,400 to fund her procedure and care. Sry said, “I have been living with hip pain for many years, and it has become much worse over the past year. Walking and moving around are now very difficult for me. I hope this surgery will relieve my pain so I can walk more comfortably, take care of my daily activities, and return to farming.”

Heak is 60 years old and a hardworking rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her niece, who is a Grade 12 student. She is the seventh of ten siblings, all of whom are married. Her parents passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. Despite many hardships in life, she continues to support herself through rice farming. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and helping with household chores. In 2024, Heak was involved in an overturned car accident while traveling in Thailand, resulting in a severe fracture of her left femur near the knee. Although she underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, the bone failed to heal properly and developed into a nonunion, causing ongoing pain in her left knee and leg. Heak experiences persistent pain and stiffness in her left knee, making it difficult to walk without support. The condition limits her independence, affects her ability to work in the rice fields, and makes everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, Heak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Heak of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for June 1st. Heak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,213 more for her procedure and care. Heak said, “I hope this treatment will help me walk without support again and live without pain. Being able to move independently would mean so much to me and allow me to return to my normal life.”