Piseth is a 27-year-old mechanic from Cambodia who lives with his wife and son in Prey Veng province, near the border with Vietnam. His wife sells groceries at home and cares for their toddler. In his free time, Piseth loves watching soccer and playing with his son. Five years ago, Piseth had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his left ear to perforate. For this reason, Piseth experiences ear pain, discharge with an odor and pus, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. His condition affects his ability to communicate, and the ear discharge causes discomfort while working. Piseth traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to receive treatment. On August 19th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Piseth and his family are able to contribute $100 for his medical care but need help to raise $387 more to fund the procedure. Piseth says, "I hope that surgery will improve my hearing so I can go back to work as soon as possible and take care of my family."

Yan is a 29-year-old man from Karen state, Burma. He works in a Japanese shop together with his younger brother to support their mother and two sisters, who stopped farming due to the conflict in Burma. His mother and sisters live in another village in Burma. The owner of the shop provides free accommodation to Yan and other shop staff. His income takes care of his family, but is not enough for expensive treatment costs. Yan has recently been experiencing back pains and chest pains and has been passing yellowish, cloudy urine. When he was reviewed at Maharaj Nakron Chiang Mai Hospital, he was diagnosed with kidney stones and a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy was recommended, to remove the kidney stones from the body. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Yan receive treatment. On May 24th, surgeons at BCMF will perform the surgery to relive his symptoms and improve his quality of life. Now, Yan needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Yan says, "I am happy to have met BCMF and have an opportunity to discuss both my health and personal challenges. Without BCMF and donors, I would be forced to rely on medication to manage my symptoms, putting my life at risk. The financial burden would be a barrier to accessing life-saving surgery."

Sarith is a seven-year-old student from Cambodia. He is an only child and lives with his parents in Phnom Penh. His mother works in a clothing factory, while his father works as an auto-rickshaw driver. Sarith is currently in first grade, and enjoys his music and singing class. He aspires to become a police officer when he grows up. Six months ago, Sarith started experiencing snoring, recurrent fevers, and sore throats. This has resulted in poor school attendance and has set him behind in his studies. Sarith was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will help Sarith undergo surgery on September 9th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Sarith of his symptoms. Sarith and his family can contribute $100 but need help to raise $165 more to fund his procedure. Sarith's mother says, "I hope that he can feel healthy again so he can stop missing school and be comfortable."