Mekdes is a young mother from Ethiopia. At just 22, this single mother is the heart and soul of her small family, working hard to build a life for herself and her four-year-old child. She runs a small street-side stall selling fried chips, and this humble business is their only source of income. Mekdes has been fighting chronic tonsillitis for four years. Because her business is outdoors and requires her to be on her feet all day, these frequent, painful throat infections make it incredibly difficult for her to work. When she is too sick to stand at her stall, she loses the income they desperately need, creating a constant and exhausting cycle of physical pain and financial worry. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mekdes, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mekdes of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mekdes said, "My deepest hope is to finally achieve lasting health and financial security, so I can work consistently without the constant fear that a sudden, painful illness will take away my ability to provide for my child."

Lida is a 20-year-old garment factory worker from Cambodia. She is the youngest of six siblings and lives with her elderly mother. Her father passed away three years ago, while all of her siblings work in garment factories. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and watching movies. In September 2024, Lida was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in open fractures of her left thigh bone and shin bone. She initially received treatment at a private hospital before coming to CSC for further care. She continues to have stiffness in her left knee and ankle and needs crutches to walk. She also has discharge from the outer side of her left ankle, causing ongoing discomfort and making it difficult for her to move independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On September 03, Lida will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. Removing the frame and applying a below-knee cast will support the next stage of her recovery, helping protect her leg while it continues to heal and allowing her to work toward walking more independently. Lida said, “I hope this treatment will help my leg heal, and reduce the infection and discomfort. I look forward to walking more independently and returning to my normal daily activities.”

Bora is a 20-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who works as an online seller, and their three-month-old son. His father is a furniture seller, and his mother stays at home to manage household tasks. In his free time, he enjoys playing badminton. On the 11th of December 2025, Bora was involved in a road traffic accident after crashing his car, which caused a closed fracture of his upper arm bone, near the elbow. After the accident, he was treated at a provincial hospital, where doctors performed an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery and implanted a metal plate and screws in his right distal humerus to stabilize the fracture and support bone healing. Although his fracture healed after surgery, he later developed an infection around the implanted hardware. He now has a persistent draining wound (sinus) near the surgical site with discharge, as well as stiffness and limited movement of his right elbow. This affects his ability to use his arm comfortably for daily activities and work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 5th, Bora will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will involve removing the metal implants, washing out the infected area, and performing a culture to help control the infection, promote wound healing, and improve the function and movement of his right arm. He can contribute $37.50, but needs help raising $341 more to fund his procedure and care. Bora said, “I hope this surgery will remove the infection, allow my arm to heal properly, and help me regain better movement so I can return to my normal activities.”