Gorret is a small-scale farmer and a married mother of four children. Her husband works as a small-scale businessman, and together they own a four-room house for their family. Their children are in school, with their eldest at 16-years-old in secondary school and their youngest at 8-years-old in primary school. The family shared that they pay for school fees through loans that they repay over time. About eight years ago, Gorret experienced swelling in her neck during her third pregnancy, but it normalized after her delivery. However, she experienced swelling again during her subsequent pregnancy, but this time it did not decrease after her delivery as it had before. As a result, Gorret experiences chest pains and backaches, and occasionally she experiences temporary numbness in her arms. She can no longer carry or lift heavy loads comfortably, which is making things hard for her. Fortunately, Gorret recently visited the hospital at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). The doctors diagnosed her condition as a goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. They recommended a thyroidectomy, which will address her symptoms and prevent the risk that a goiter may become cancerous and cause difficulty breathing and eating over time. On November 9th, Gorret will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMH’s care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $333 to fund this procedure. Gorret shared, “I hope to look normal again after struggling with this goiter for many years. I was feeling inferior whenever in public, but I finally have the hope of living a better and improved life through surgery. I hope to continue with farming after recovery.”

Sophin is a 56-year-old farmer. She's married and has one son and two grandchildren. Sophin lives with her husband who is also a rice farmer. In July 2021, Sophin fell from a coconut tree and fractured her left hand. After the accident, she sought treatment from a Khmer traditional healer but her condition did not improve. It is difficult for her to use her hand and she is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 19th, Sophin will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $465. After the procedure, Sophin will be able to live more comfortably and her fracture will be able to finally heal. Sophin shared, "I hope I can use my left hand after surgery so I can get back to my life."

Kompheak is a 33-year-old father. He is married with three active boys ages six, five, and three years old. The oldest boy is in school, while the others stay home with their parents. He and his wife work as farmers and grow vegetables for a living. Two years ago, Kompheak was in a motor vehicle crash where he injured his hip. He has tried physical therapy and takes pain medication when the pain is unbearable, but the pain persists and he has difficulty walking. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is helping Kompheak to receive treatment. Surgeons at CSC will perform a hemiarthroplasty, where they will replace half of his hip joint. After recovery, he will be able to walk and work to support his family. Now, he needs help to fund this $539 procedure. Kompheak shared that he hopes that he can walk without pain and return to farming soon as possible to support his family.