Chanthorn is a 41-year-old chef from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his brother, who works as a chef for weddings. They support each other, earning money to care for their elderly mother, who is 76 years old. His father passed away 30 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In February 2015, Chanthorn sustained an electric shock injury to his left shoulder, causing severe damage to the shoulder joint. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury with screws, but later developed an infection that required removal of the hardware. He has experienced chronic pain and stiffness in his left shoulder for many years. The condition limits his shoulder movement and makes it difficult for him to use his arm comfortably during daily activities and while working as a chef. When Chanthorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his left shoulder joint and to help him to use his arm more comfortably and continue his daily activities and work more easily. Chanthorn is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $561 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I have lived with shoulder pain for many years. I hope this surgery will reduce my pain, help me use my arm more comfortably, and allow me to return to my daily activities without constant discomfort.”

Nay is just like any other active one-year-old with a loving family. Except Nay was born with a heart condition, patent ductus arteriosis (PDA), a persistent opening between two major blood vessels that should close right after birth. However, Nay's remains open, which can weaken his heart and cause other cardiological and respiratory complications. Nay is one of three children. Their father is a day laborer, and their mother is a homemaker. Their incomes are just enough for basic expenses and health care, but not enough to fund heart surgery. "We are worried when we know that Nay needs surgery because we could not afford for it," Nay's parents said. To fund his surgery on October 3rd, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500. After treatment, Nay will live more comfortably and avoid potential complications. For his parents and sisters, it also means one less worry.

Mercy is a 34-year-old mother from Uganda. She and her husband are small-scale farmers who work hard to support their four children. However, their limited income is often dedicated to daily necessities, leaving little room for unexpected expenses, such as medical care. In her free time, Mercy enjoys weaving baskets, which she hopes to eventually sell to help support her family. Mercy is pregnant, and doctors recommend she deliver via a C-section due to previous complications and a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of Mercy and her baby. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Mercy undergo a C-Section on November 2nd. This procedure will cost $214, and Mercy needs your support. Having experienced previous miscarriages, she deeply values the opportunity to have a safe delivery and return home with her baby. Mercy says, “I have gone through many challenges during my journey to motherhood, including the painful loss of my first two babies. Today, I am hopeful that I will safely welcome this baby, but I am worried because my husband and I depend on small-scale farming and cannot afford the hospital bills for my operation. I humbly appeal to the donors to support me during this difficult time. Your kindness would give me hope, help me receive the care I need, and allow me to return home with my baby in my arms. May God bless everyone willing to help me and my family.”