Heang is five years old and a first-grader from Cambodia. He is the middle of three children and lives with his parents in Kampot Province. His father works as a grocery seller, while his mother stays home to care for the children and manage the household. He enjoys reading and writing Khmer, watching cartoons, and playing with his little sister. He especially likes vegetable-filled soups. When Heang was two years old, he burned his left hand in a fire while his family was having a barbecue. He received treatment at a private clinic, but the injury later healed with scar tissue that gradually caused contractures in his left index and middle fingers. The tight scars restrict movement in his left index and middle fingers, making it difficult for him to fully straighten them. This may also affect his ability to grasp and hold objects comfortably with his left hand. When Heang's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On September 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to give his affected fingers more flexibility and improve how he can move his left hand. This may make it easier for him to hold objects, play, and take part in everyday activities as he continues to grow. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Heang's mother said, “I hope the surgery will help my son straighten and move his fingers more easily. I want him to be able to hold things with both hands, play with other children, and enjoy his childhood without his hand limiting him.”

Sina is a loving 63-year-old retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province. She has one son, who provides her support, and lives near her niece who sells groceries. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks give spiritual education. About three years ago, Sina 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 is not able to go places on her own. When Sina learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 13th, 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. Sina and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $238 more to fund the procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so I can easily go out, take care of myself, and plant vegetables around my house."

Ximena is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is a loving, caring, cheerful, and respectful girl who is dedicated to her studies and loves spending time with family and friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher because she likes helping others succeed in their studies. Ximena has had an epigastric hernia, or a protrusion of tissue in her upper abdominal area, for many years. This condition causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially during physical exertion, which limits daily activities and has affected her quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. On July 28th, Ximena will undergo hernia repair surgery, and she and her family are asking for help to raise $1,005 to fund Ximena's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Ximena's parents shared, "Thank you so very much for your generous help and for donating these funds for my daughter’s surgery. Your support means so much to us and gives us hope at this very important time. We will always be deeply grateful for your solidarity."