Sokheng is a 24-year-old woman who lives in Kampong Chnang Province with her parents and younger brother. Her three other siblings have all moved away to work in construction or factory jobs. Sokheng works in a nearby garment factory and uses that income to help support her parents, who are rice farmers. In her free time, she loves cooking and growing vegetables near their home. Since she was 16 years old, Sokheng has had a mass on the bottom of her foot. She is missing work regularly and everyday activities, such as walking, have become difficult. Sokheng traveled three hours to our medical partner Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) to seek treatment and was diagnosed with plantar fibromatosis - a rare, benign, fibrous tissue disorder resulting in the formation of nodules. This condition can be locally aggressive, and often results in pain, functional disability, and decreased quality of life. Sokheng is scheduled to undergo a partial amputation of her right foot on June 16th. Her family is able to contribute $100 to the surgery, and she needs only $479 to fully fund the operation and after-care. After treatment, she will be able to live without pain. Sokheng shared, "After surgery I want to return to work and help my family."

Rajai is a 13-year-old student from Tanzania. He loves science classes and enjoys playing football and racing track at school. At home, his parents and two older siblings are farmers who rely on the crop yield to support the family. When Rajai was 8 years old, he stumbled while playing with his siblings and fell, injuring his left arm. Although his parents rushed him to the hospital, the skin and fingers on his left hand were damaged. As a result, he isn't able to use his arm in most of his day-to-day activities. At school, he feels self-conscious when new people are shocked upon seeing his injury. Rajai would also like to help more around the farm at home, but feels that his hand limits him. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Rajai with treatment. On March 9th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use his hand freely again. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Rajai says, “I am hopeful that this treatment will increase my confidence around new people.”

Sam Art is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer from Kandal province, Cambodia. She lives near her younger sister, who helps support Sam Art by working in a nearby rice field. They spend much of their time together and enjoy volunteering at the pagoda in their village. About four years ago, Sam Art developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Sam Art learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled two hours seeking treatment. On August 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sam Art is able to contribute $50 to the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to raise the remaining $253 to fully fund the procedure. She shared, "After surgery I want to plant some vegetable to sell in my village and help support myself and my sister."