Theng is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who also works as a farmer. They have four children who work in garment factories and a company. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news and boxing programs on television. Since 2024, Theng has been experiencing pain in both hips, with the right hip more severely affected than the left. He was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition in which reduced blood supply causes damage to bone tissue. He initially tried traditional Khmer herbal medicine to relieve the pain, but his condition did not improve. The pain in his hips makes it difficult for him to walk normally, and he now walks with a limp. His condition also affects his ability to work in the rice fields and carry out his daily activities. Fortunately, Theng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). At CSC, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Theng of his pain and allow him to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for November 2nd. Theng can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,135 more to help fund his procedure and care. Theng said, “I hope that after surgery, my hip pain will improve and I can walk more comfortably. I want to return to my farming work, take care of my daily responsibilities, and live more independently without struggling with pain.”

Sarin is a 55-year-old Khmer noodle maker from Cambodia. She is married and has two daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who has a disability and is unable to work. Her two children are construction workers. In her free time, she likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Sarin developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her 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 Sarin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On October 29th, 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. Sarin shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go back to work and not worry about my eye anymore."

Ben is a 37-year-old man from Uganda. He and his wife farm to support their three children. Ben developed a swelling on his upper back that has progressively increased in size, causing him significant discomfort and persistent pain. The swelling has affected his posture, forcing him to walk with a bent back, and has become visibly noticeable even through his clothing. He sought medical attention at several clinics, but he was advised to visit a larger hospital where the condition could be properly managed. He started using local herbal remedies, but the pain continued to worsen. Ben was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a lipoma, a mass on his back. He requires surgical excision to remove the mass but cannot afford the full cost of the hospital bills. On November 10th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Ben needs help to raise $153 to fund this procedure and alleviate his symptoms. Ben says, "I hope to appear in public with no swelling and also walk better after recovery."