Chanthorn is a 41-year-old chef from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his brother, who works as a chef for weddings. They support each other, earning money to care for their elderly mother, who is 76 years old. His father passed away 30 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In February 2015, Chanthorn sustained an electric shock injury to his left shoulder, causing severe damage to the shoulder joint. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury with screws, but later developed an infection that required removal of the hardware. He has experienced chronic pain and stiffness in his left shoulder for many years. The condition limits his shoulder movement and makes it difficult for him to use his arm comfortably during daily activities and while working as a chef. When Chanthorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his left shoulder joint and to help him to use his arm more comfortably and continue his daily activities and work more easily. Chanthorn is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $561 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I have lived with shoulder pain for many years. I hope this surgery will reduce my pain, help me use my arm more comfortably, and allow me to return to my daily activities without constant discomfort.”

Suong is a 54-year-old woman from Cambodia. She works as a rice farmer and also does labor work planting crops. She is married and has four sons, one daughter, and ten grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who is a farmer, and her youngest daughter, who is a student. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news on her phone. For three years now, Suong has had age-related cataract in her right eye. This causes 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Suong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 2nd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Suong shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see more clearly and easily. I would like to return to growing rice and working in the fields without difficulty. After surgery, I know I will feel happy and no longer worry about my eyesight."

Legrand is a preschooler from Haiti. He lives with his mother, who works as a farmer and market vendor, and his grandmother in a small agricultural community in central Haiti. Legrand has a congenital heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), in which an opening between two major blood vessels near his heart. This causes blood to flow abnormally, placing extra strain on his heart and contributing to weakness and difficulty gaining weight. Legrand needs to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 21, he will undergo a procedure in which doctors will use a catheter to place a small device that closes the opening between the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more normally. Another organization, the Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing $5,000 toward the cost of his treatment. Legrand's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Legrand's family overseas. From Legrand's mother, "I know that God has blessed us to reach this hospital to take care of my son!"