Theng is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who also works as a farmer. They have four children who work in garment factories and a company. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news and boxing programs on television. Since 2024, Theng has been experiencing pain in both hips, with the right hip more severely affected than the left. He was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition in which reduced blood supply causes damage to bone tissue. He initially tried traditional Khmer herbal medicine to relieve the pain, but his condition did not improve. The pain in his hips makes it difficult for him to walk normally, and he now walks with a limp. His condition also affects his ability to work in the rice fields and carry out his daily activities. Fortunately, Theng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). At CSC, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Theng of his pain and allow him to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for November 2nd. Theng can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,135 more to help fund his procedure and care. Theng said, “I hope that after surgery, my hip pain will improve and I can walk more comfortably. I want to return to my farming work, take care of my daily responsibilities, and live more independently without struggling with pain.”

Maly is a 56-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her elderly mother, and grows rice for a living. In her free time, Maly enjoys planting vegetables around her home. About six years ago, Maly was involved in a motorcycle accident, causing a severe injury to her right leg. She underwent several procedures, but currently her right ankle remains fused in an equinus position, causing pain in her right toes, and making it difficult to put weight on her foot. She currently walks in crutches, and has difficulty moving around independently. When Maly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for 4 hours seeking treatment. On September 8th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to improve the position and stability of her foot, reduce pain, and help her walk more comfortably. Maly is able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help raising $536 more to fund the procedure. She says, “I hope this surgery will reduce the pain in my right foot and help me walk more comfortably, without depending so much on crutches. I wish to be able to move around more independently, and return to my daily activities.”

Umali is a 34-year-old young man who lives with his parents in Malawi. Umali is the fourth-born in a family of five children, and works as a temporary salesman at a hardware store in town, earning a modest income that he uses not only to sustain himself but also to support his unemployed parents. Despite the financial challenges his family faces, Umali has always shouldered his responsibilities with dedication and resilience. Umali's health challenges began in 2024 when he noticed an intermittent swelling on the left side of his groin area. Concerned about the swelling and the discomfort it caused, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. He was subsequently referred to a higher facility for further management. While receiving care at the referral hospital, doctors also identified that he had haemorrhoids, in addition to the hernia. Over time, the haemorrhoids began bleeding, leaving Umali weak and increasingly worried about his health. Doctors recommended surgical intervention for both conditions, giving him hope that relief was finally within reach. Unfortunately, however, Umali had his surgery canceled several times due to scheduling constraints at the public hospital, and a lack of resources. Each hospital visit came with high costs for transport, accommodation, food, and lost working days. After spending considerable amounts of money and enduring repeated disappointments, Umali became frustrated and discouraged. His condition continued to worsen, affecting his ability to work effectively and reducing his already limited income. As the pain and discomfort intensified, he was advised to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope (PIH). Umali hesitated for months, fearing that he would not be able to afford treatment. However, when the symptoms became increasingly unbearable, Umali gathered the courage to visit PIH. Umali's diagnosis was confirmed and he has been scheduled for a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $917 to fund Umali's procedure, which has been scheduled for August 6th. Umali says: "The pain is too much, I am unable to focus. I have been admitted thrice at the referral hospital, but was not operated on. Kindly help me to have my surgery, so I can get better, my joy can resume, and I can continue supporting my parents. You are my last hope."