Sok Le is a smiling 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veng province with his parents, grandmother, and six-year-old brother. Since Sok Le is too young for school, he stays at home, cared for by his grandmother, while his parents cultivate rice. His favorite meal is fish soup, and he delights in spending time outdoors, playing with his collection of toy cars. Sok Le has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. Sok Le's family traveled three and a half hours to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), seeking help. Fortunately, the surgeons at CSC can provide the needed treatment. They will perform left tendo-Achilles lengthening surgery to correct the foot equinus (pointing down) position on January 9th. After the surgery, Sok Le's foot will be put in a cast as he recovers. CSC is requesting $444 to fund Sok Le's clubfoot repair. After recovery, his ankle will flex with more range and Sok Le hopefully will be able to walk like other children and wear shoes. Sok Le's mother shared: "We hope after this, Sok Le will walk like other children without pain, and keep up with others when they play."

Elicy is a 40-year-old married mother of four children aged between two and twenty years. She used to work part-time, doing laundry in people’s homes but due to her illness, she is unable to continue working. Her husband is a casual worker. They live in a rented house that costs about $4.75 per month. Elicy loves spending time with her husband and enjoying local meals. In 2019, Elicy observed swelling near her belly button region that was causing discomfort during her daily tasks. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition where tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge near the navel. Surgery was recommended, but she had to return home and wait for the opportunity to undergo treatment. By the end of 2023, the swelling and pains had worsened, and her physical laundry work was exacerbating the symptoms. At the hospital, she was recommended rest and advised to avoid strenuous activities while awaiting surgery, which significantly impacted her earnings. Earlier this month, she decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where the diagnosis of umbilical hernia was confirmed, requiring surgical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Elicy receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery providing her the opportunity for a healthier, pain-free life. Now, Elicy needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Elicy says, “I can’t wait to be well again, my husband needs my support to provide for the family.”

Hoy is a 64-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He shares his home in Kampong Thom province with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and their 7-year-old grandson. As a united family, they oversee and cultivate rice, the proceeds of which are sold at the local market to acquire essential provisions. Hoy shares a special bond with his grandson as they find joy in evening walks together. In November 2023, he suffered an unfortunate motorbike accident, falling onto the concrete on his left side, fracturing his forearm. He could not afford care at the local clinic and visited a Khmer Traditional Healer for a bamboo splint. After one month, he was still in great pain, and after an X-ray, discovered that he still had a non-union fracture in his arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 2nd, Hoy will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will align his fractured bone into place for optimal healing so that he can work again. Hoy said: "I hope that after my operation, I will have no more pain and my arm will heal."