Sakun is 85 years old and a mother of seven children from Cambodia. She lives in a small neighborhood in Takeo province with her third daughter, who works as a farmer. Her other children are married and live in nearby villages. Although her family lives close by, she relies heavily on her daughter for daily support, as she has no job and very limited financial resources. Despite these challenges, she finds peace in simple moments, especially when listening to monks' sermon in her free time. Sakun recently slipped and fell in her bedroom, resulting in a left femoral neck fracture on her hip. Since the injury, she has been in severe pain and is unable to walk, leaving her completely dependent on others for mobility and even basic daily activities. The sudden loss of independence has been both physically and emotionally difficult for her. Sakun was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. On March 18th, Sakun will undergo a hip hemiarthroplasty procedure, which will cost $712, covering both surgery and post-operative care. During the procedure, surgeons will operate on her left hip to stabilize the fracture, relieve her pain, and restore her ability to walk. This surgery offers her not only physical healing, but also the hope of regaining her independence, rebuilding her strength, and returning to her normal daily life with dignity and renewed hope. Sakun said, “After the surgery, I hope I can walk again without pain, regain my strength, and return to my daily life with independence and hope for the future.”

Srey Neth is a 13-month-old baby girl from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal Province with her grandmother and older brother, who is in Grade 2. Due to financial difficulties, her parents moved to the city to work, with her father working as a grocery seller and her mother working in a garment factory. She enjoys playing with dolls and toys and likes eating sour fish soup and fried pork with vegetables. Srey Neth was born with syndactyly of her left hand. This means that her first, second, third, and fourth fingers of her left hand are fused and share the same nail. The fused fingers limit the normal movement and function of her left hand. This makes it difficult for her to grasp and hold toys, pick up objects, and develop normal hand skills as she grows. The condition may also affect the appearance of her hand and her confidence in the future. Fortunately, on July 21st, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused fingers. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to use her hand more easily for holding toys, grasping objects, and developing normal hand skills as she grows. Srey Neth's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter use her left hand more normally so she can hold things, play, and grow up like other children.”

Pov is a determined 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his parents and is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom are married. His father sells drinking water, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is currently studying in Grade 11 and enjoys physics. He dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. His favorite meals are soups, especially those with lots of vegetables, and he enjoys playing football with his friends in his free time. Eleven months ago, Pov sustained electrical burns to both hands in an accident. As the wounds healed, severe scar contractures developed, affecting the right first finger webspace and the left fifth finger. The scar contractures have tightened the skin and limited movement in both hands. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects, hold items properly, and write his school lessons. He also feels self-conscious about the appearance of his scars and often hides them by wearing long sleeves. Pov sought treatment with our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On May 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve hand movement and restore better function. This treatment will help him write more easily, hold objects comfortably, and regain confidence in using his hands for daily activities and school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $627 more to fund his procedure and care. Pov said, “I hope this surgery will help my hands move normally again so I can write my lessons easily, hold things without difficulty, and feel confident without needing to hide my scars anymore.”