Chilina is an eight-year-old girl from Cambodia. She is the only child in her family and lives with her parents in Battambang Province. Her father is an army, and her mother stays at home to manage household tasks. She is in the third grade and enjoys painting and reading fairy tales. Her favorite subject is mathematics, and she hopes to become a nurse when she grows up. Chilina was born with polydactyly of her right hand. This means that she was born with an extra thumb on her right hand. The extra thumb and stiffness of her right thumb make some hand movements more difficult. Although she can grip and pinch objects, the condition affects the appearance of her hand and causes her to feel shy when classmates and friends tease her. Fortunately, on July 21st, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, the removal of the extra thumb will improve the appearance and function of her right hand. She will be able to use her hand more comfortably, feel more confident, and participate in daily activities without feeling different from other children. Chilina's mother said, “Seeing my daughter feel shy because of her hand breaks my heart. I hope this surgery will help her feel confident and happy as she grows up.”

Kerventz is a high school student from Haiti. He has been raised in an orphanage in central Haiti since he was a small child, and still lives there today. He wants to pursue a career in science. In his free time, he likes playing video games and watching soccer on TV. Kerventz has a cardiac condition called mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and shut properly as a result of an infection he suffered as a child. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Kerventz needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 11th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair his damaged valve; if unable, they will replace it with an artificial valve. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to pay for the surgery. But Kerventz's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Kerventz's family overseas. Kerventz says, "I am so glad to finally have this opportunity, I have been worrying about my heart for a long time!"

Savoeun is a 51-year-old widow from Kandal province, Cambodia. She has three sons, one daughter, and 11 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest son, who is a construction worker. She likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Savoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Savoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On July 2nd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Savoeun said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren and I can go far places by myself."