Chanthy is a 34-year-old garment factory worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Phnom Penh with his wife, who also works in a garment factory, and their three children. Their children are in Grade 5, Grade 2, and preschool, and are cared for by their grandmother while both parents are at work. Despite his disability, he continues working hard to support his family. In his free time, he enjoys designing and tailoring new styles of clothing. Chanthy developed polio during childhood, which caused permanent damage to his left leg. Over the years, his left knee became permanently bent, and his left foot developed a severe deformity. The leg is now nonfunctional, so he has chosen amputation to prepare for a prosthetic leg that will give him a better chance of walking independently again. The condition has greatly limited his mobility and independence. He relies on crutches to move around because his left leg is no longer functional, making it difficult to stand, walk long distances, continue working comfortably, and care for his family. Every day tasks require extra effort, and his quality of life has been significantly affected. Chanthy has been experiencing severe muscle wasting, weakness, a fixed deformity of the left foot, difficulty walking, and limited mobility. His doctors recommend an amputation of his left leg (through-knee amputation) to prevent symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $588 to fund Chanthy's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Chanthy said, “I hope this surgery will allow me to receive a prosthetic leg so I can walk more easily without relying on crutches. I want to become more independent, continue working, and improve my quality of life.”

Hy is a 62-year-old woman from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Cham Province with her husband. They have three adult children, all of whom are farmers and live nearby in the same village. She enjoys listening to monks' prayers in her free time. Five years ago, Hy was involved in a motorcycle accident that caused fractures of her right femur and right tibia. She underwent surgery with metal fixation at a government hospital. About one year ago, her grandchild accidentally stepped on her leg while she was sleeping, causing knee pain. She visited a hospital in Siem Reap Province, where an X-ray showed that the metal nail had broken. The broken hardware causes pain in her right leg and makes it difficult for her to walk comfortably and perform daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 7th, Hy will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will remove the broken hardware, perform bone grafting, and stabilize the right femur with new internal fixation. This treatment will promote bone healing, reduce pain, improve the strength of her leg, and help her walk and carry out daily activities more comfortably. Her family can contribute $37, but needs help raising $563 more to fund her procedure and care. Hy said, “My biggest wish is to be able to walk without pain again and enjoy spending time with my family without worrying about my leg.”

Albert is a 27-year-old man from Malawi. He is the third-born in a family of six. Before his illness, he was employed and actively supported his parents, but he is currently unable to work and relies on his brother for support. Four months ago, Albert developed severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a hollow viscus perforation — a tear in the wall of the intestine — caused by typhoid infection. Emergency surgery was performed, during which surgeons created a stoma, a surgically-made opening on the abdomen that diverts waste when the normal digestive pathway is compromised. While the stoma has allowed his bowel to heal, it has caused him significant discomfort and affected his daily life and confidence. Fortunately, on June 17th, Albert will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. This procedure will cost $1,244, and Albert needs your support to fund the surgery. "The stigma is too much and has taken away all my happiness due to isolation, bringing in more pains, both physical and psychological; your support will help me to recover," Albert shared.