Chantha is a 15-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with her parents, who work as rice farmers and factory workers. She is the eldest of two children and is in the ninth grade. She enjoys playing football with her friends, loves studying Khmer literature, and hopes to become a police officer in the future. When she was 6 years old, Chantha had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Chantha experiences right ear pain, repeated ear discharge, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and hearing loss. Her symptoms became much worse after water entered her ear during the Khmer New Year 2026. The chronic ear infection and hearing loss make it difficult for her to hear clearly in daily life and at school. The repeated pain and discharge also affect her comfort and confidence. Chantha traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 14th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $363 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chantha said, “I’m happy to finally have the opportunity for surgery. I hope my ear will heal well, my hearing will improve, and I can leave this problem behind and move forward with confidence.”

Phoeun is a 56-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia who lives in Siem Reap Province with her husband. They have three children, all married, who live nearby and visit occasionally. She enjoys planting vegetables around her home. Two months ago, Phoeun slipped and fell in her backyard, resulting in a fracture of her left humerus. She is experiencing pain and is unable to lift her left arm, which limits her daily activities and work on the farm. Fortunately, on April 8th, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Phoeun will undergo a fracture repair procedure that will relieve her pain and help her regain movement in her left arm, allowing her to return to her normal daily life and farming activities. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $550 more to fund her procedure and care. Phoeun said, “I’ve been in pain for two months and can’t lift my left arm. I’m hoping this surgery will finally relieve my pain and help me regain movement so I can return to my normal daily life.”

Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.