Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Chheanly is a 29-year-old military service member from Cambodia. He recently got married and lives in Kampong Thom Province with his wife, who works as a farmer. He is the third child of five siblings, and his older siblings are married and live in nearby villages. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends, but he is no longer able to participate because of his injury. In July 2025, Chheanly was involved in a motorcycle accident while transporting food down a mountain, resulting in multiple injuries, including a right clavicle fracture and a severe right brachial plexus injury affecting his entire arm. Since the accident, he has developed a right flail arm with complete weakness, pain, and stiffness. He is unable to move his right shoulder, elbow, wrist, or fingers, leaving the arm nonfunctional. This condition has significantly impacted his daily life, preventing him from performing many activities independently, affecting his ability to continue his military duties, and limiting his participation in activities he previously enjoyed, such as playing volleyball with his friends. When Chheanly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On August 6th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his right shoulder joint and to help stabilize his shoulder joint, reduce pain, and improve the position and function of his arm. This procedure will also prepare his arm for future treatments aimed at improving movement and independence. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $511 more to fund his procedure and care. Chheanly said, “I hope this surgery will improve the stability of my shoulder, reduce my pain, and be the first step toward improving my arm function so I can become more independent and return to my daily life.”

Birhanu is 75 years old and a retired soldier from Ethiopia. His wife makes handicrafts to bring in extra money. Together, they work hard to support their four children—three sons and one daughter. For more than two years, however, a growing cloud in his left eye—known as a cataract—has turned his life upside down. Birhanu's vision has become blurry and weak, making it dangerous for him to walk outside, especially after dark. Simple chores around the house have also become exhausting challenges, taking away the independence and quiet daily routines he has relied on for decades. Fortunately, Birhanu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Birhanu shared, "I hope to walk safely at night, go back to doing odd jobs to help my family, handle chores on my own, and get my confidence and active life back in the community."