Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Sotheavy is an 11-year-old student from Cambodia. Her father is a police officer, and her mother works at a grocery shop. She is in Grade 4, and English is her favorite subject. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and reading storybooks. Her favorite foods are sour fish soup and fried pork with vegetables. Sotheavy was born with left torticollis, a condition in which the tight muscle on the left side of her neck causes her head to tilt to the left. The condition has become worse over the past year. She has difficulty bending her neck to the right because of the tight muscle. She also feels shy about her appearance because her head tilts to one side. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sotheavy receive treatment. On October 29th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to loosen the tight muscle in her neck, helping her hold her head straighter and move it more easily. This may also help her feel more comfortable and confident about her appearance. Now, she needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Sotheavy's mother said, “As her mother, I hope the surgery will help straighten my daughter’s neck and make it easier for her to move her head. She often feels shy about her appearance, and I want her to feel more confident, comfortable, and happy with herself as she grows up.”

Kong is a 64-year-old widow and mother of three from Cambodia. She lives with her second child, who sells groceries. Kong is retired and enjoys tending to vegetables around her house in her free time. In June 2014, Kong was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in fractures of her left forearm and elbow. Kong was treated by our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, whose surgeons performed plate fixation and a bone graft. These procedures were successful, and Kong regained good mobility in her arm. However, she still experiences pain when moving her left elbow. Now, surgeons recommend a procedure to remove the metal plate that was implanted during her initial surgery. On September 3rd, Kong will undergo a hardware removal procedure to help reduce the discomfort around her left elbow and make arm movement more comfortable, helping her manage her everyday activities with greater ease. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $353 more to fund his procedure and care. Kong said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain in my elbow and make it easier for me to move my arm. I look forward to feeling more comfortable and being able to carry out my daily activities without the discomfort I have lived with for so long.”