Ouksa is a 19-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and currently lives with his wife and parents. The entire family works to farm rice for a living. Ouksa enjoys playing volleyball with his friends in the village during his free time. About three years ago, Ouksa was bitten by a snake on his left hand. He received treatment at a local hospital and was later transferred to another facility for wound debridement. Although the wound healed, he developed a scar contracture affecting his left wrist and hand. The scar contracture limits the movement of his left wrist and makes it difficult for him to use his dominant hand for daily activities and farming. This affects his ability to work comfortably and independently. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Ouksa with his treatment. On August 13th, surgeons at their care center will perform a contracture release surgery to improve the movement and function of his left wrist and hand, making it easier for him to return to his normal daily life. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $547 more to fund his procedure and care. Ouksa said, “I hope the surgery will improve the movement and function of my left hand so I can return to farming, do my daily activities more easily, and use my hand independently again.”

Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Ryan is a 41-year-old man from the Philippines. He is a factory worker, while his wife is a homemaker. Six years ago, Ryan noticed a swelling in his gums. As time passed, the mass grew bigger and started to cause him pain and discomfort, interfering with his ability to do his daily activities and work. He is unable to eat or speak comfortably. Ryan needs to undergo surgery to remove the mass. He is scheduled for surgery on June 12th. A portion of the cost of his surgery will be covered by government insurance, but our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is asking for help to raise the remaining $1,385 for Ryan's procedure and care. After surgery, he should be able to go back to his daily activities and work more comfortably. Ryan shared, "I am grateful for the opportunity to receive medical assistance. I look forward to recovering and continuing to provide for my family with peace of mind about my health."