Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Zewditu is a 42-year-old mother of six from Ethiopia, who is a devoted wife and home maker. Her husband works as a day laborer, earning just enough money to provide food and shelter for the family. About four years ago, Zewditu developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her reduced eye sight and cloudy vision. The condition has made daily tasks like cooking and caring for her children much more difficult. Zewditu needs to undergo surgery to restore her sight, and be able to perform her daily activities with ease. Fortunately, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is helping Zewditu receive treatment. On July 12th, she will undergo cataract surgery where surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Zewditu needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. She says: "I hope to be able to handle my household tasks with ease again, and embrace my role as a mother with newfound energy."

Srey Nich is a seven-year-old schoolgirl from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal Province with her mother and elderly grandmother. Her grandmother and mother earn a living by selling fish caught by her grandfather. She is the only child in her family, and her parents divorced when she was a baby. She is currently in Grade 2, enjoys mathematics, and hopes to become a teacher in the future. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her friends in the village. For the past two months, Srey Nich has been experiencing recurrent right ear pain, blocked hearing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), persistent runny nose, and nasal congestion. Hearing tests showed moderate to severe conductive hearing loss in her right ear due to chronic fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear). The condition affects her ability to hear clearly, which may make communication and learning at school more difficult. Repeated ear pain and hearing problems can affect her comfort, concentration, and daily activities. Srey Nich was recently diagnosed with enlarged adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund an adenoidectomy and grommet insertion for Srey Nich, which is scheduled to take place on July 16th. The procedure will relieve her of her symptoms and allow her to hear better, improving her quality of life. Srey Nich's grandmother said, “I hope this surgery will help my granddaughter hear clearly again and stop the ear pain that has bothered her for so long. I want her to be healthy, enjoy school, and grow up without these repeated ear problems.”