Reaksa is a 25-year-old soldier from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Takeo province with his elderly parents, who work as vegetable sellers at a local market. His wife works at a book factory. In his free time, he helps his wife with household work and grows vegetables around his home to support their daily living. Four months ago, Reaksa was involved in a traffic accident, causing paralysis of his right arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his right hand and sometimes feels pain in his arm and elbow. He has difficulty bending his elbow and using his hand for daily activities and work, which affects his ability to perform his military duties and support his family. Reaksa traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery on February 24th. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. After recovery, he will gain movement and strength in his right arm, reduce pain, and improve elbow and hand function. This will allow him to perform daily activities and return to work more comfortably. Reaksa's family can contribute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs help raising $637 to fund Reaksa's procedure and care. Reaksa said, “I hope this treatment will help my hand recover so I can work and support my family again.”

Boxter is a farmer from Malawi. He is a husband and father of three from Dzungu village in Dowa District. He grows maize, tomatoes, and other crops to support his family. Three years ago, Boxter started experiencing urinary retention. It is a condition he chose to keep to himself, not sharing it even with those closest to him. Despite the discomfort, he continued working and providing for his family, doing his best to manage the situation quietly. Recently, he came to Nkhoma Hospital and waited in the surgical clinic to be seen. He was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Doctors explained that he needs a surgery, known as TURP, to relieve his condition and restore normal function. While this gave him a clear solution, it also brought worry. Boxter began making phone calls to family members, hoping they could help him raise the money for surgery. In the end, they were only able to gather a little, which is not enough to cover the full cost. He was advised to return home and wait until more funds could be found. Still in need and uncertain of what to do next, Boxter was referred to the SAFE Program for consideration. This has given him a chance to be heard and a renewed sense of hope. He now looks forward to the possibility of receiving treatment and returning to his normal life without the burden he has carried in silence for so long. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Boxter should undergo a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on April 29th. Once completed, it will hopefully improve Boxter's quality of life. Boxter said, “I have stayed with this problem for a long time without telling anyone. I was afraid and did not know how I would manage it. Now that I have a chance to be treated, I am hoping for support. I want to be well again and live without this condition.”

Chanya is a 10-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in a rural area in Kampong Chhnang Province with her parents and brother. Both of her parents work in a garment factory to support their family. Chanya is currently attending school and enjoys studying mathematics. In her free time, she likes reading and helping her mother with household tasks. Two years ago, Chanya sustained a puncture injury to her foot after stepping on a nail. Over time, her right foot and ankle worsened, resulting in calf muscle loss and the foot becoming stuck pointing downward. This condition has led to persistent pain and significant difficulty walking, especially over long distances. Her condition has affected her ability to attend school regularly and participate in activities. On April 21st, Chanya will undergo a correction procedure at our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $582, including surgery and post-op care. Surgeons from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will operate on her right foot to improve foot position and walking function. Chanya's mother shared, “After the surgery, I hope that my daughter will be able to walk normally again without pain. I hope she can move more freely, play like other children, and go to school without difficulty. Most importantly, I hope this treatment will improve her quality of life and bring back her confidence and happiness.”