Chhorn is a 64-year-old vegetable seller from Cambodia. She is married and lives with her husband and youngest child, who works as a chef. Her six children are all married and living with their own families in other provinces. To support her family, she sells vegetables at a local market. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. Ten months ago, Chhorn slipped and fell from a bed, causing a fracture of her right forearm. After the injury, she underwent surgery at a private hospital, where doctors inserted hardware into her right radius to stabilize the fracture and help it heal properly. Although the fracture has healed, she continues to experience pain when lifting, carrying, or grasping heavy objects. She also has occasional stiffness in her right arm, which makes it difficult to perform some daily activities and work comfortably as a vegetable seller. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 12th, Chhorn will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help reduce her pain and stiffness, improve the function of her right arm, and allow her to lift and carry objects more comfortably. This treatment will help her return to her daily activities and work with greater ease. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund her procedure and care. Chhorn said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my arm. I want to be able to lift and carry things comfortably again and return to my daily activities without discomfort. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this treatment.”

Yong is a 72-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is retired and previously worked as a midwife. Her husband died during the Khmer Rouge period, leaving her with one son. She now has five grandchildren. Yong lives with her nephew, who works in construction, while her son is a farmer. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks’ prayers on her phone. About three years ago, Yong developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Yong has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places independently. When Yong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 23rd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $263 more to fund her procedure and care. Yong shares, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can recognize others easily, travel farther, and no longer worry about my eyes.”

Michelsa is a young student from Haiti. She is in the first grade and likes art and music. Michelsa lives with her mother, grandmother, and two siblings in a city on the west coast of Haiti. Her mother sews school uniforms for a living. Michelsa has a cardiac condition called pulmonary stenosis. One of the four valves in Michelsa's heart is too narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow through it and leading to heart failure. Michelsa will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 11th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a balloon on the end of a catheter to stretch the valve open to a more normal size. Another organization, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $4,000 to pay for surgery. Michelsa'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 Michelsa's family overseas. Michelsa's mother shares, "Our family is very hopeful that after this surgery, we can let my daughter run and play without worrying about her health."