Sakun is 85 years old and a mother of seven children from Cambodia. She lives in a small neighborhood in Takeo province with her third daughter, who works as a farmer. Her other children are married and live in nearby villages. Although her family lives close by, she relies heavily on her daughter for daily support, as she has no job and very limited financial resources. Despite these challenges, she finds peace in simple moments, especially when listening to monks' sermon in her free time. Sakun recently slipped and fell in her bedroom, resulting in a left femoral neck fracture on her hip. Since the injury, she has been in severe pain and is unable to walk, leaving her completely dependent on others for mobility and even basic daily activities. The sudden loss of independence has been both physically and emotionally difficult for her. Sakun was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. On March 18th, Sakun will undergo a hip hemiarthroplasty procedure, which will cost $712, covering both surgery and post-operative care. During the procedure, surgeons will operate on her left hip to stabilize the fracture, relieve her pain, and restore her ability to walk. This surgery offers her not only physical healing, but also the hope of regaining her independence, rebuilding her strength, and returning to her normal daily life with dignity and renewed hope. Sakun said, “After the surgery, I hope I can walk again without pain, regain my strength, and return to my daily life with independence and hope for the future.”

Ly Hor is a four-year-old kindergarten student from Cambodia. He lives in a rural area of Kampong Cham Province with his parents and two siblings. His father is a rice farmer, and his mother sells vegetables. Ly Hor is the middle child, with an older brother in grade six and a younger sister who is two years old. He enjoys writing and reading Khmer and dreams of becoming a doctor when he grows up. In his free time, he likes playing with toy cars with his sister. Ly Hor's favorite meal is fish sour soup. For the past two years, Ly Hor has been experiencing a sore throat three to four times per month, fever, snoring at night, and difficulty swallowing. The frequent illness is uncomfortable, affects his eating, sleeping, and daily activities, and occasionally prevents him from going to school. Ly Hor was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Ly Hor. On April 3rd, surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Ly Hor of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Ly Hor's father said, “My son has been sick again and again for the past year, and it has been very difficult for him to eat, sleep, and live normally. The doctor has recommended surgery, and although I feel worried, I believe this is the best way to help him recover and have a healthier life. I truly hope this treatment will free him from his pain and allow him to grow strong like other children.”

Meshack is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in his family. His mother is a preacher, and cares for her young children. Despite her responsibilities, she has made strong efforts to find specialized treatment for Meshack after noticing that his hand movement was becoming more restricted. When Meshack was very young, he sustained a burn injury on his right hand. Though the wound has healed, the scars have become tight over time, causing a burn scar contracture. The contracture has affected finger movement and palm opening, making it difficult for his hand to function normally as he grows. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Meshack receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and skin graft to greatly improve his hand development and future independence. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Meshack's mother says, “His hand cannot open well, and I worry about how he will use it as he grows. I am praying he can get treatment and use his hand freely.”