Sopha is a 27-year-old mechanic from Cambodia. During the day, Sopha works as a mechanic alongside his oldest brother. His parents work as rice farmers, and his two other siblings are studying at University. After work, he enjoys watching soccer on TV with his friends and checking social media. Two years ago, Sopha had an accident while riding a motorbike and fractured his tibia. He went to a nearby clinic and had hardware fixed to the bone to heal the fracture. While the fracture has healed, he has pain and limited function in his leg. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 7th, Sopha will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This procedure will help ease the pain and discomfort, enabling him to walk easily again. Sopha said, “I hope after surgery, I will have no pain, and can work as normal.”

Thokozani is a 23-year-old university student from Malawi. He is the fourth born in a family of ten children and the only child in his family who went on to study at the university level. Thokozani is completing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management (Wildlife) and Eco-tourism. His higher education student loans support him, and he lives in a single-room hostel with two friends. In his free time, Thokozani enjoys watching wildlife programs and eating rice served with beef. Thokozani was born with a hernia condition, and in 2020, he started experiencing on-and-off episodes of discomfort. He visited a private hospital where they diagnosed his condition and recommended surgery, but he was unable to afford it and returned to school. In this last year, however, the pain has become too much to handle, causing him to miss classes. His worsening condition is impacting his ability to engage in daily activities and complete his education. Fortunately, Thokozani recently received a text from a friend regarding surgery support that is available with our medical partner. He immediately called the medical center and was able to see a surgeon who confirmed the diagnosis of a left inguinal hernia and the need for him to undergo surgery. A hernia is a condition in which soft tissue bulges through a weak point in the abdominal muscle. If the hernia is left untreated, the size of the protruding intestine might get bigger and become strangulated, leading to the reduction of blood flow to surrounding tissues, which may be life-threatening. Thokozani will undergo surgery on March 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $575 to fund the procedure. Thokozani is hopeful that this surgery will allow him to finally heal and return to school in good health. He is looking forward to his brighter future and making his family proud by being the first to complete university studies. He said, “I can’t wait to concentrate after surgery; kindly help me as I plan to finish the remaining part of my course.”

SreyPov is a skilled 43-year-old weaver specializing in making silk and cotton skirts. She lives with her husband, who works in construction, and her three children in Phnom Penh province. Her 19-year-old daughter works in a restaurant, her 15-year-old daughter is in school, and her 9-year-old son is also in school. SreyPov diligently weaves traditional skirts at home, contributing to the local businesses, and takes pride in maintaining her household's cleanliness. In September 2023, SreyPov slipped on a wet sidewalk, stretched out her right arm, and dislocated her elbow when she fell. Given her family's financial constraints, SreyPov sought the assistance of a Khmer traditional healer. However, despite her efforts, her arm remains swollen, causing persistent pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 4th, SreyPov will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This surgery will allow her to resume her traditional weaving and alleviate her pain. SreyPov said: "I hope after surgery I can make cloth again and will not be in pain any longer."