Mu is a 62-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her family in a village in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. She works as a day laborer and housekeeper. She also collects and sells recyclable materials for additional income to support her daily needs. In September 2023, Mu accidentally fell down the stairs and fractured her hip, making it difficult for her to walk and move her legs. She is in constant pain, affecting her ability to sleep and perform her daily tasks. Fortunately, Mu learned about our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). At BCMF's care center, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Mu of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for March 1st and Mu needs help raising $1,500 to pay for this procedure. “I felt sad and depressed when I realized I needed surgery because I couldn’t afford to pay for it,” said Mu. “I am also concerned about my ability to take care of myself. I was thrilled and felt grateful to all the donors and BCMF when I learned they would help pay for my treatment. I want to take care of myself without anyone’s help. I don’t want to put anyone under unnecessary pressure. Along with that, I want to walk like I used to again.”

Nob is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. She and her husband work in the rice paddies near their home. Together they have one daughter in 8th grade. When not working, Nob is busy looking after her daughter and helping elderly relatives nearby. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news or Cambodian dramas on TV. About two years ago, Nob developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Nob learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 6th, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery I can see more clearly and return to work because I haven't been able to work and support my daughter's school fees."

Sok Neng, who is 18 years old, lives with his parents near the Vietnamese border. His parents have been spice sellers in the local market for several years. Sok Neng enjoys growing fruits and vegetables around his home, while also working at the market stall with his parents. In August 2023, Sok Neng was in a motorbike accident on a dark road, and broke his right femur. He traveled for three and a half hours to a major hospital in the capital city of Phnom Penh for treatment, but due to a lack of funds, he left after the doctors said that he needed surgery. Since then, Sok Neng has been receiving treatment from a traditional healer in the village. Unfortunately, the fracture has not healed, and he lives in chronic pain, unable to walk or to work. Sok Neng once again traveled three and a half hours to Phnom Penh to seek help, after a referral from another doctor. On February 7th, he will undergo an osteotomy and a bone plate procedure on his right femur, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is seeking $469 to fund this surgery, which will align the bone in Sok Neng's leg, enabling him to finally walk again. Sok Neng shared: "I hope I can walk on my own and go back to work to help my family."