Sim is a 59-year-old potato farmer. He is married with three sons and four daughters; his wife is also a farmer. All of his children are married and live elsewhere in their province. In his free time, he likes to exercise, play with his grandchildren, and listen to the local and national news on his radio. A year ago, while spreading insecticide from his tractor, he was overcome by the fumes, passed out and crashed the tractor. His shoulder was paralyzed, and Sim was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right shoulder side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The injury prevents him from lifting his shoulder, bending his elbow or moving his arm. He is unable to use his arm to work, dress himself, hold his grandchildren or perform most activities of daily living. Sim traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On May 10, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, Sim hopes that he will regain some use of his arm so he can return to farming and support his living. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Sim said: "I hope this surgery will work to allow me to use my arm again so I can work. I feel very poorly, and cannot work or help my wife at home."

Maryann is a three-year-old girl and the second born in a family of three children. Maryann's sister Natalia had tonsil surgery one year ago with support from the Watsi community and almost immediately after her sister was home from the hospital, Maryann started having a frequent colds, swollen tonsils, and hotness of the body/fevers. She has been taken to various health facilities, with short relief, but her symptoms continue to reoccur. The ENT surgeon has advised that Maryann also undergo a tonsillectomy to fully heal her condition. Maryann's grandmother works at Nazareth Hospital to help support their family and Maryann’s parents are small business people making just enough to sustain them. Their family is seeking support from Watsi so that Maryann can grow up with fewer challenges and a bright, healthy future. If not treated, Maryann will continue to have recurrent swelling, colds, and fevers. Her condition could also become chronic tonsillitis, which can cause infection to the middle ear, a peritonsillar abscess, or rheumatic fever. “This condition seems to run in the family. It is hard to have such a small and second child having the same condition of tonsils. I hope Watsi can assist again so that my other grandchild can also get help. We really appreciate it," Maryann's grandmother told us.

Srey Ne is a 32-year-old woman who is married with two young daughters, aged 5 and 7-years-old. Srey Ne works in a factory, while her husband works in construction. She shared that she enjoys swimming and cooking for her family in her free time. For six months, Srey Ne has been experiencing knee pain. She managed the condition with medication at first, but in December, the pain became so severe that she went to a government hospital. Doctors diagnosed her condition as osteoporosis, but Srey Ne was unable to afford the recommended treatment. When she learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled to there for review. Doctors at CSC conducted a biopsy and histology and determined she has a giant cell tumor on her left knee that is growing. Currently, Srey Ne experiences pain and discomfort. Fortunately, surgeons at CSC can help Srey Ne finally heal. On February 18th, she will undergo excision and fibular flap surgery to remove the tumor and heal the wound. CSC is requesting $657 to fund this procedure, which is also subsidized by Srey Ne's co-pay that she was able to gather. Srey Ne says, "This treatment will help me return to work so I can support my family. I am looking forward to being free of pain and walking easily."