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.”

Chorn is a 69-year-old retired farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who is a rice farmer. His first wife passed away 16 years ago, and he has three children from his previous marriage. All three are married; his eldest child serves in the army, the second works as a grocery seller, and the youngest is employed at a laundry shop. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the radio and watching the news on his phone. Around 10 years ago, Chorn underwent total hip replacement surgery on both hips. However, over time, the artificial components in his right hip became severely worn and loose, causing damage to the surrounding bone. He has experienced right hip pain for approximately four years, which has become much worse over the past year. Standing and walking are now extremely difficult, and he relies on a wheelchair to get around. The pain and limited mobility have also prevented him from returning to farming and managing his daily activities independently. Although his left hip also shows some loosening, it is not currently causing him significant problems. On November 3rd, Chorn will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Doctors will perform a right hip revision surgery, with removal of the existing artificial components and conversion to an excision arthroplasty. Chorn and his family can contribute $100 and need help raising $1,400 more to fund his procedure and care. Chorn said, “I hope this surgery will help reduce the pain in my right hip so I can stand and walk more comfortably again. I want to be able to take care of my daily activities with less help from others. If my recovery goes well, I hope I can return to farming and enjoy being active again.”

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."