Ly Chheng is a 77-year-old man from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his wife and their third child, who works as a tailor. He has six children in total, all of whom are married and have their own jobs. He is no longer working, and in his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. Ly Chheng has severe cervical spinal stenosis, a condition in which narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord. He has experienced intermittent numbness and weakness in his hands and extremities for approximately four to five years, with his symptoms becoming progressively worse since early 2026. He now experiences numbness and weakness in both hands, hand clumsiness, difficulty walking steadily, and frequent urges to urinate. He also has neck stiffness and pain that can extend toward his shoulders. These symptoms have made it increasingly difficult for him to move around safely and manage his daily activities independently. Ly Chheng's family was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek specialized care. On August 17th, surgeons at CSC plan to perform cervical spine decompression to relieve pressure on his spinal cord and help prevent further deterioration. The surgery costs $1,500, and his family can contribute $50, but they need help covering the remaining $1,450. After surgery, he hopes to have less numbness and weakness, walk more steadily, and become more independent in his daily activities. Ly Chheng said, “I hope the treatment will relieve the pressure on my spinal cord, improve the numbness and weakness in my hands, and help me walk more steadily. I want to be more independent and able to manage my daily activities more comfortably.”

Piseth is a 16-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie Province with his parents, who support the family through rice farming and day labor. He is the oldest of two children, and his younger sister is in Grade 8. Although he is no longer attending school, he enjoys spending time with friends and playing football in his village. His favorite meal is Korko fish soup. On February 26th, 2026, Piseth was involved in a car-motorcycle accident that caused a closed fracture of his left distal femur. He was taken to a hospital and was told he needed surgery, but his family could not afford the operation. He later received treatment from a traditional healer, who used a bamboo splint to support his injured leg. Unfortunately, the fracture did not heal properly and developed into a non-union, leaving his left leg approximately 4 centimeters shorter. The unhealed fracture has continued to cause pain and abnormal movement in his left thigh, making it difficult for him to walk and stand comfortably. He also has a small superficial wound near his left ankle. Piseth was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for further care. On September 9th, he is scheduled to undergo a left femur osteotomy and placement of a traction pin. The surgery aims to address the abnormal bone position and shortening and support the healing of his leg, with the hope of improving his mobility and independence. Piseth's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my son’s leg heal properly, reduce his pain, and make it easier for him to walk and stand. I want him to become more independent and return to his normal daily activities.”

Diriba is 75 years old and a father of nine from Ethiopia. He is a farmer who has spent his whole life working the land alongside his wife. For over a year, cataracts have clouded Diriba's left eye, and he has completely lost vision in that eye over the past month. At the same time, age has weakened the vision in his right eye, leaving him almost completely blind. This sudden loss of sight has abruptly stopped his active life. Once a proud and independent man who loved farming and spending time with his community, he now depends entirely on others for everyday tasks. He can no longer visit friends, join family gatherings, or see his children and grandchildren clearly. This has placed a heavy emotional burden on both him and his wife as they hope for the return of his sight, freedom, and dignity. Fortunately, Diriba is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. On September 6th, surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Diriba shares, "I hope to get my eyesight back so I can be independent again and do my daily tasks easily. I look forward to visiting friends, joining family gatherings, and enjoying life with my wife and large family."