Songheng works in a textile factory and lives with his parents, who are rice farmers, in Kandal province. He has a brother who lives in the family home and a married sister who lives nearby. When not working, Songheng enjoys listening to music with friends. Songheng operates machinery in a textile factory, stitching together fabrics that eventually find their way into clothing sold around the globe. On January 11th, his hand slipped while cutting through a thick piece of fabric with a mechanical saw. The sharp blade tore through his left arm, severing the radial nerves in his wrist. He was taken to a local hospital for surgical repair, but doctors told him they were unable to suture the radial nerves in his hand that are crucial for movement and sensation. Songheng is unable to use his left hand and feels constant burning in his thumb due to the damage to his nerves. He cannot work and is worried that he is unable to contribute to the family finances. Without proper treatment, he might never fully regain function in his hand. The hospital directed him to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Skilled surgeons at CSC have achieved positive results for patients in removing damaged nerve or tendon sections, reconnecting healthy nerve ends, or implanting a piece of nerve/tendon from another part of the body. These procedures can repair the damage, and attempt to restore as much function as possible. With limited finances, Songheng needs help with the $572 cost of the procedure, which will cover medications, surgery, post-operative care, and physiotherapy. His surgery is scheduled for February 16th. Songheng said: "I am hopeful the doctors can fix my hand so I can work again and have no pain."

Dianah is an engaging, social, single mother of two from Uganda. She is the second eldest in a family of eight children. She completed some of high school, but she was unable to complete her schooling due to finances. Dianah helped her parents farm until she got married and had two children. She is currently separated from her husband and lives with her parents and children and works on the farm. For close to two years now, Dianah has had swelling in her anal region and pain when having a bowel movement or taking a bath. After a medical examination, she was diagnosed with an anal tag and the doctors recommended surgical removal of the mass. However, she is unable to raise the money needed for her surgery and therefore appeals for your support. Dianah traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 28th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Dianah needs help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Dianah says, “I hope to have my health restored. I believe with surgery I will get better.”

Jasmin is an 11 year-old girl from Bolivia who needs heart surgery. Jasmin lives with her father, a police officer, and her mother, a nurse. She has one older brother and one younger sister in La Paz. Jasmin likes to paint, draw in coloring books, and help her family with errands. Jasmin was born with Down syndrome, and also a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole exists between two major blood vessels near the heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving Jasmin weak and short of breath. Our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund surgery to repair Jasmin's heart. During surgery, doctors will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer pass through it. Once her heart is repaired, Jasmin will be able to breathe easier and have more energy and ability to make the most of everyday. Jasmin's mother shares: "we're so happy that the time has finally arrived for her surgery, our family has been waiting a long time for this moment."