Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Sarun is a 72-year-old widow from Banteay Mean Chey province, Cambodia. She previously sold Chinese noodles for a living but has now stopped working because of her poor eyesight. Her husband passed away 20 years ago. She has two sons and two grandchildren. She currently lives with her oldest son, who works as a laborer harvesting potatoes. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the radio, especially monks praying, and attending ceremonies at the pagoda. About two years ago, Sarun developed a cataract in her left 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. She is unable to go places on her own. When Sarun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for 7 hours to seek treatment. On May 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Sarun said, "I hope that after surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can see clearly again, recognize people and surroundings easily, and return to selling Chinese noodles well."

Ly Ching is a 21-year-old university student from Cambodia. She lives in Phnom Penh with her elderly parents and two older brothers. She is the youngest child in the family. Her older brother is a lawyer, and her second brother works as a court clerk. She is studying law at university. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and watching movies. Ly Ching was born with polydactyly of both hands. This means that she was born with an extra thumb on both hands. The extra thumbs make it difficult for her to grasp objects, write, and perform some daily activities. She also feels self-conscious about the appearance of her hands. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 20th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra fingers so she can use her hands more comfortably and perform daily activities more easily. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $279 to fund her procedure and care. Ly Ching said, “I have lived with this condition my whole life. I hope this surgery will make it easier to use my hand and give me more confidence in my daily life.”