Chantha is a 43-year-old former construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with his wife, who works in a garment factory. They have three children: the eldest works as a car repairer, the second is a construction worker, and the youngest is in Grade 6. He is currently unemployed and spends his time raising chickens and growing vegetables at home. In May 2022, Chantha sustained a fracture on his right thighbone when he was trapped under a collapsed house. He initially underwent fracture repair surgery with plate and screws, followed by antegrade intramedullary nailing due to persistent symptoms. Presently, he experiences ongoing discomfort related to the surgical hardware. The condition causes persistent pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing. He currently uses crutches for mobility, and has difficulty performing normal daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 19th, Chantha will undergo a fracture repair procedure (hardware removal with K-nail and bone grafting) which is expected to reduce his pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more comfortably without metal-related discomfort. Chantha is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $550 more to fund the procedure. He says, “I hope this surgery will relieve my pain, allow me to walk normally again, and help me live without discomfort from the metal in my leg.”

Rachel is an active and social 12-year-old girl from Kenya. Despite her challenges, she remains hopeful and optimistic about her future. Rachel is currently in Grade 7, but has paused her studies due to her medical condition. Two days after Rachel was born, her mother noticed that Rachel's head was enlarging and that her eyes appeared sunken. Rachel was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Rachel underwent shunt insertion surgery to drain the excess fluid, but the shunt failed within days. Rachel and her mother then journeyed 130 kilometers to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. There, Rachel underwent a successful shunt revision surgery, and her mother’s joy was beyond words. They returned home, and life improved significantly. Unfortunately, hydrocephalus shunts can become blocked over time, making revision surgeries necessary. Rachel has had two more surgeries at three and seven years of age. She now requires another shunt revision surgery, so that she can resume her daily activities like other children her age. Without surgery, Rachel will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Rachel that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 13th and will drain the excess fluid from Rachel's brain. Rachel shares, "I am in pain, I haven't been able to go to school. I want to get better so that I can continue learning. I look forward to leaving the hospital feeling better so that I can go home, play with my siblings, and attend school."

Yong is a 72-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is retired and previously worked as a midwife. Her husband died during the Khmer Rouge period, leaving her with one son. She now has five grandchildren. Yong lives with her nephew, who works in construction, while her son is a farmer. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks’ prayers on her phone. About three years ago, Yong developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Yong has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places independently. When Yong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 23rd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $263 more to fund her procedure and care. Yong shares, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can recognize others easily, travel farther, and no longer worry about my eyes.”