Liza is a determined 18-year-old high school student from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal Province with her parents and two younger siblings. Her father works as a welder, and her mother stays at home to care for the family. She is the eldest child and is currently studying in Grade 11. Her younger sister is in Grade 9, and her younger brother is in Grade 6. She dreams of becoming a doctor one day and enjoys listening to music and reading books in her free time. Liza was born with severe spasticity affecting both her upper and lower limbs, causing abnormal muscle tightness and an abnormal gait. In November 2025, she received botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into her hamstrings and other spastic muscles in her lower limbs, which noticeably improved her walking for a period of time. However, about four months later, her condition gradually worsened again, and her right leg developed a contracture. This has made walking increasingly difficult and has limited her mobility and independence in daily activities. Although the previous treatment provided temporary improvement, the return of the contracture has once again made movement challenging and affected her confidence in walking. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Liza receive treatment. On May 22nd, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to release the tight muscle and improve the position and movement of her ankle. This treatment will help her walk more easily, improve balance and comfort, and allow her to move with greater confidence. Liza's family can contribute $75, but needs help in raising $497 more to fund her procedure and care. Liza said, “When my walking improved before, it gave me hope for the future. I pray this surgery will help me walk better again so I can continue my studies and move closer to my dream of becoming a doctor.”

Sonich is an 18-year-old from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Ratanakiri Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He has one younger sister who is a kindergarten student. Because of his injury and the financial difficulties his family faces, he was forced to drop out of school in Grade 7, even though he wished to continue his education like other children his age. In his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. Eight months ago, Sonich was involved in a traffic accident with another motorbike that caused paralysis of his left arm. After the accident, he was taken to a provincial hospital, where he underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for a left clavicle fracture. Later, he noticed that his left arm had become very weak. His family brought him to several hospitals in the city, where doctors told him that he had nerve damage. However, the cost of treatment was prohibitive for his family. After six months, the metal implant was removed at the provincial hospital. Following that, he tried physiotherapy and Khmer traditional medicine, hoping his arm would recover, but unfortunately, his condition did not improve. Sonich learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought medical advice. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He experiences significant weakness in his right arm and cannot lift it or feel sensation from his elbow to his fingers. Sometimes he also experiences pain and stiffness in his fingers. This condition makes it difficult for him to perform daily activities and prevents him from continuing his education. Sonich traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On March 12th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will regain movement and be able to use his arm more normally in daily activities. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $637 more to fund his procedure and care. Sonich said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this treatment. I hope my arm will become stronger so I can return to my daily activities and have hope for my future again.”

Nipo is 50 years old and a hairstylist from the Philippines. Through his work, he is able to support his younger sisters. A year ago, Nipo began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain. He has been diagnosed with gallstones and needs to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Nipo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 21st. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nipo's surgery and care. Nipo shared, "I know the surgery would take away my pain and that my sisters would no longer have to be anxious about my condition. Because of our financial struggles, this treatment would not have been possible. I want to live normally like before."