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.”

Julius is a 63-year-old husband, father, and grandfather from Uganda. He and his wife have together raised eight children, all of whom are now adults with families of their own. Throughout their marriage, the couple has worked hard to provide for their family despite limited resources. Julius is a small-scale farmer who grows crops that help feed the family, and generate a modest income. His wife serves as a church leader, and dedicates much of her time to supporting the community. Twelve years ago, Julius began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent pain on one side of his body, severe pain in his chest and lower abdomen. He has lost his appetite, suffers from recurrent fevers, and has become so weak that even bending to perform simple daily activities is difficult. The worsening symptoms have greatly affected his ability to work on his farm, threatening the family's primary source of income. Julius sought medical attention at Rwibaale Hospital and was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Julius's surgery. On September 1st, he will undergo surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Julius says: "I hope to find relief from the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer, and take good care of my children."

Moa is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Thom Province with his wife, who is also a rice farmer. They have two adult children: their daughter is a rice farmer, and their son works in a factory. In his free time, he enjoys caring for his rice fields and removing weeds. In January 2025, Moa injured his left knee after being struck by the gear stick of a tractor and later slipping, causing a left tibial tubercle fracture. He underwent surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where doctors performed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using screws and cerclage wire to stabilize the fracture. His fracture has healed well, and he has regained normal knee movement and walking. However, the metal hardware is no longer needed and should be removed to complete his treatment and help prevent future irritation or discomfort. On July 7th, Moa will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will safely remove the screws and cerclage wire, allowing him to continue his daily activities and farming without concerns related to the implants. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund his procedure and care. Moa said, “I’m happy my knee has healed well. I hope this surgery will remove the metal safely so I can continue working and living without any worries.”