Chhorn is a 68 year old resident of Phnom Penh City. He shares his home with his wife, three daughters, and two sons. His youngest daughter is currently pursuing her studies at a local university while residing with them. At home, Chhorn finds enjoyment in watching boxing on TV and engaging in regular exercise. However, Chhorn has been facing persistent challenges over the past few years due to chronic ear infections - called otitis media - in his right ear. This condition has led to right ear tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, and severe pain. Unfortunately, these issues have escalated in recent months, affecting his hearing and making communication, especially at his workplace, increasingly difficult. Despite seeking medical treatment, the problem persists. He feels that there is hope on the horizon, though, as skilled ENT experts from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, are able to help him get well again. Chhorn is scheduled for a myringotomy ear surgery on December 13th. Myringotomy involves making a small opening in the eardrum to drain the fluid and relieve the pressure from the middle ear. Sometimes a small tube is placed in the opening of the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and to prevent fluid from accumulating. This procedure aims to address his ear issues and alleviate the associated symptoms, providing him with a renewed sense of well-being and improved communication abilities. Now, Chhorn needs your help with the cost of the $184 procedure. He shared: "I hope after surgery, I will have no more ear pain and can communicate better with my family and customers."

10 year old Nicholas lives with his parents and two younger siblings in Kenya. His parents are farmers, who produce small cash crops of vegetables, maize and beans, which provide income for the family. In December, Nicholas fell out of a neighbor's mango tree, sustaining injuries to both of his hands and arms, and to his left thigh. X-rays showed that both of his arms were fractured, and the doctors also found an open wound on his thigh where the bone protruded through the skin. After undergoing numerous procedures, and infections that required multiple treatments, Nicholas, who is currently bedridden and in pain, is finally ready to have his fractured femur surgically repaired. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,145 to fund Nicholas' surgery, which is scheduled to take place on January 15th, at AIC Kapsowar Hospital. After he has recovered, Nicholas will be able to walk again without pain. Nicholas' mother says: “My son has been unwell for quite a while. I hope he gets well and will be able to go back to school after treatment.”

Valentina is a 3-year-old toddler who lives with her mother, father, and younger sister in a city in central Bolivia. Her father is a construction worker and her mother is a homemaker. Valentina is very outgoing and enjoys drawing and painting. When Valentina was younger, health workers came to her house for a vaccination campaign and noticed that she was very small for her age. They helped the family reach a pediatrician and then a cardiologist, who diagnosed her with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition in which a hole exists between two major blood vessels next to the heart. PDA can cause poor growth, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Valentina will be undergoing heart surgery on March 27th to treat her condition. During surgery, doctors will close the hole so that blood will no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is asking for $1,500 to fund this surgery. After surgery, Valentina is expected to grow stronger and healthier. Valentina's mother shares: "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping to fix our daughter's heart!"