Pov is a determined 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his parents and is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom are married. His father sells drinking water, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is currently studying in Grade 11 and enjoys physics. He dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. His favorite meals are soups, especially those with lots of vegetables, and he enjoys playing football with his friends in his free time. Eleven months ago, Pov sustained electrical burns to both hands in an accident. As the wounds healed, severe scar contractures developed, affecting the right first finger webspace and the left fifth finger. The scar contractures have tightened the skin and limited movement in both hands. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects, hold items properly, and write his school lessons. He also feels self-conscious about the appearance of his scars and often hides them by wearing long sleeves. Pov sought treatment with our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On May 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve hand movement and restore better function. This treatment will help him write more easily, hold objects comfortably, and regain confidence in using his hands for daily activities and school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $627 more to fund his procedure and care. Pov said, “I hope this surgery will help my hands move normally again so I can write my lessons easily, hold things without difficulty, and feel confident without needing to hide my scars anymore.”

Krorn is a 60-year-old woman and a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her youngest sister, who is also a farmer. Her favorite hobbies are going to the pagoda and walking around for exercise. About two years ago, Krorn developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Krorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 10th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Krom said, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can easily get around, help my sister plant rice, and visit the pagoda."

Bisrat is a two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He has a wonderful mother who stays by his side to take care of him, and a hardworking father who works as a driver to support everyone. He also has three older sisters who love him very much. One year ago, Bisrat started to experience snoring, difficulty breathing, and loss of appetite. This ongoing sickness is deeply worrying for his parents. They are trying their best to manage a large household while giving their son the constant, day-and-night care he needs. Bisrat was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Because he is sick so often, Bisrat cannot run around, play, or grow the way a healthy two-year-old usually does. Instead of enjoying his childhood, he spends much of his time feeling unwell and in pain. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Bisrat, which is scheduled to take place on July 19th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Bisrat of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Bisrat's parents shared, "We hope to give our son the physical freedom to thrive, explore, and enjoy his early childhood with all the energy and life he deserves."