Meet Koemseng, an 11-year-old boy from Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia. His parents work as construction workers and his younger brother is in kindergarten. Koemseng is currently in 5th grade and enjoys his Khmer history class. At home, he likes to eat fried fish and eggs with rice and plays with his little brother. When Koemseng was six years old, he had a fever and received an injection in his left thigh at a local clinic. This caused quadriceps contracture, where the muscle became abnormally tight and shortened in his left leg. This condition left him unable to fully flex his left knee and caused an unusual walking pattern. A local hospital suggested that Koemseng's parents visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek help. Koemseng and his parents traveled for two and a half hours for diagnosis and treatment. On July 17th, Koemseng will undergo surgery on his left leg which will help lengthen and release the tight muscle, allowing the knee to bend more freely and improving overall leg function. Koemseng's family is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise $472 more to fund this procedure. Koemseng's father hopes that Koemseng can walk better and return to school to see his friends as soon as possible.

Meet Macda, a 35-year-old mother of two from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her partner and their two children. She and her partner are both vendors. Macda has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. As a result of an infection that she suffered earlier in her life, one of the four valves of her heart does not function properly. This valve cannot adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. Macda will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On August 27th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital, during which surgeons will either repair or replace her damaged valve, allowing it to function more normally. The hospital is contributing $25,000.00 to pay for the surgery. However, Macda's family also needs help to fund the cost of pre-surgical labs, medicines, and checkups, as well as follow-up appointments. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, will also need resources to secure travel documents and support for social workers who will accompany Macda's family on their trip to the U.S. They are requesting $1,500 to fund these costs. Macda said: "I have been praying for years to be able to have this surgery, and I am very thankful to everyone who is helping me to get it!"

Phol is a 61-year-old rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. He and his wife have two daughters, four sons, and ten grandchildren. Phol lives with his wife, who also works as a rice farmer. At home, he enjoys listening to the news on the radio, and spending time with his grandchildren. About three months ago, Phol developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Phol learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Phol is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and needs help raising $153 more to fund the procedure. Phol says, "I'm hopeful that after the surgery, I'll be able to see clearly again, allowing me to return to work and not feel afraid to go places on my own."