Vannaratt is a thoughtful 14-year-old from Cambodia. His parents are divorced, and he lives with his mother and younger brother. His mother supports the family as a factory worker. Vannaratt enjoys science and Khmer literature at school and likes to play with his brother at home. He dreams of being an engineer when he grows up. For a long time, Vannaratt has been experiencing difficulty swallowing and breathing. He also has trouble sleeping at night, which makes it challenging for him to stay awake in school. His mother bought him medicine from the local pharmacy, but unfortunately, it has not helped. Vannaratt was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help Vannaratt receive treatment. On December 12th, he will undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. During this procedure, the surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Vannaratt of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. CSC is requesting $265 to cover the cost of this surgery. Vannaratt's family gathered $75 to contribute to his care. Vannaratt's mother said: "I hope he will breathe easier after this operation and will be able to swallow better."

Karim is a 10-year-old boy living in La Paz. He is in the fourth grade and really likes his math and science classes. Karim was born with a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot, which involves several related defects including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. During surgery, doctors will sew the hole closed and remove the blockage from his valve so that blood can flow more normally. Karim's family needs $1500 to pay for his surgery. Karim's mother shared: "Our family will be praying for everyone who is helping Karim to get his surgery!"

Liza is a happy eight-year-old girl, living in Kandal province, Cambodia. She has two older siblings - an older sister who works in a factory, and an older brother who is in grade seven. Her father recycles cans and plastic bottles, while her mother stays home to care for her. Liza was born with Down syndrome and she does not attend school, but spends her day enjoying cartoons on TV and helping her mother around the house. For the past five years, Liza has been experiencing frequent throat infections, and difficulty swallowing. She has a harder time breathing at night and does not sleep well, so she is often tired during the day. Her mother says she often cries because her throat hurts so much. Liza was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and to intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Liza, which is scheduled to take place on January 23rd at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Liza of her symptoms, and helping her to live a healthier and more comfortable life. Liza's mother shared: "We hope after surgery Liza will stop having sore throats, and it will be easy for her to swallow."