Som is a 58-year-old homemaker from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Thom Province with her husband and her second child, who is a rice farmer. She has four married children who live nearby with their own families. She enjoys going to the pagoda and listening to monks pray in her free time. About two months ago, Som noticed a lump on the left side of her neck. Although it was not painful, it gradually became more noticeable and caused a feeling of fullness, especially when swallowing. Som visited our medical partner's care center, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where she was diagnosed with a left cystic thyroid goiter. The lump causes discomfort and tightness in her neck when swallowing, making her anxious about her health and concerned that it may continue to grow. On July 15th, surgeons will remove the mass. Som's family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $244 more to fund her procedure and care. Som said, “I have been worried since I noticed the lump on my neck. I hope after the surgery, I will feel comfortable again and no longer be concerned every time I swallow.”

Luis Angel is student from Colombia. He is a very outgoing, cheerful, intelligent, and quick-witted boy who loves to explore the world around him. He is an excellent student and excels especially in math. He really enjoys playing and interacting with other children. He also loves to dance, sing and has a deep love for animals. He is an affectionate boy who constantly shows his care for others. Eight years ago, Luis Angel was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when the child cries, coughs, or strains. They can also cause visible swelling, making the belly button protrude, which sometimes leads to discomfort. At this stage, Luis Angel experiences abdominal pain, which sometimes makes it difficult for him to engage in activities, such as playing or participating in sports. Although it generally does not cause severe pain, it does cause discomfort that makes it difficult for him to perform daily activities, such as playing, jumping, and fully enjoying his childhood. Additionally, if not treated properly, there is a risk of complications. Fortunately, on June 24th, he will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luis Angel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Luis Angel's parent shared, "To anyone who wishes to support my son financially, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for thinking of a child’s well-being and future. Your help contributes to making my son’s dreams come true and gives him the opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. After the surgery, we hope he will be able to develop fully, without limitations, discomfort, or pain that prevent him from carrying out his daily and athletic activities. With this, he will be able to demonstrate his full potential and begin to chart his path toward fulfilling his dreams."

Mey Ching is six years old and a first-grader from Cambodia. She is the youngest of three children and lives with her parents and siblings in Koh Kong. Her father is a fisherman, while her mother sells groceries. She enjoys reading and writing Khmer and playing hide-and-seek with her friends in the village. Her favorite foods are sour fish soup and fried vegetables. For the past three years, Mey Ching has been experiencing a persistent daily cough, episodes of fever and throat pain, frequent snoring at night, and difficulty swallowing. Her ongoing throat problems make swallowing uncomfortable and disturb her sleep because of frequent snoring. The recurring symptoms can also make it harder for her to feel comfortable and fully enjoy school and activities with her friends. Mey Ching was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Mey Ching, which is scheduled to take place on September 8th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Mey Ching of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Mey Ching's mother said, “I hope the surgery will help my daughter breathe, swallow, and sleep better. I want her to feel healthy and free from these ongoing throat problems.”