Koemsing is a cheerful two-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in Preah Sihanouk Province with her parents and older sister. Her father works as a construction worker, while her mother stays at home to care for the children and manage the household. She enjoys playing with toys with her older sister, and her favorite foods are sour fish soup and strawberries. When she was 10 months old, Koemsing accidentally sustained burns to both hands after coming into contact with fire while playing with her siblings. As her burns healed, severe scar contractures developed in both hands, causing stiffness and deformity. She has difficulty opening her hands, grasping objects, and performing everyday activities appropriate for her age. When Koemsing learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for seven hours seeking treatment. On August 10th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve the movement and function of her right hand. This surgery will help her grasp objects more easily, play more independently, and perform everyday activities with greater ease. Now, she needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Koemsing's parents shared, “We hope this surgery will give our daughter the chance to use her hands more freely, become more independent, and enjoy the childhood every child deserves.”

Hav is a four-year-old boy from Cambodia. He is the only child in his family and currently lives with his grandmother, who is a rice farmer. Because of financial difficulties, his parents have moved to the city to find construction work. He enjoys playing with toys with his cousins, and his favorite foods are fried pork and eggs. Around May 2026, Hav suffered an electric burn to his left hand. Although the wound healed with basic wound care, scar tissue gradually formed and tightened around his left ring finger. The scar contracture has tightened the skin around his left ring finger, making it difficult for him to fully straighten and move the finger. This can also make it harder for him to use his hand comfortably while playing and during other everyday activities. When Hav's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On September 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to address the scar that is restricting his ring finger, helping him move it more naturally. Better finger movement can support his ability to play, explore, and use his hand as he grows. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Hav's grandmother said, “I hope the surgery will help my grandson move and straighten his finger more easily. He is still very young, and I hope he can use his hand comfortably as he grows, plays, and learns.”

Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.