Nuth is a three-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives with her parents, who are cashew farmers, and an older sister who is in Grade 2. She enjoys playing with toys with her sister and likes fish sour soup and fried chicken. In December 2023, when she was eight months old, Nuth was accidentally burned by a fire on a cashew farm. She was initially treated with dressings and follow-up care, but after the burn healed, scar tissue formed around her right wrist, causing a contracture. This has limited her wrist's movement and has made it harder for her to use her right hand. When Nuth's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for seven hours seeking treatment. On September 16th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to loosen the tight scar around her right wrist and help improve her wrist movement, making it easier for her to use her right hand as she grows and plays. Now, Nuth's family needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Her mother said, “I hope the surgery will loosen the scar around my daughter’s wrist so she can move her hand more freely. She is still very young, and I want her to grow up able to use both hands comfortably when she plays, learns, and does things for herself.”

Francis is an eight-year-old student who lives in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is a bright, cheerful, and confident child who dreams of becoming a driver when he grows up. He enjoys playing football and is known for being very helpful at home. His parents are farm laborers who depend on casual work to support their family. Despite their hard work, they struggle to meet their daily needs and cannot afford the cost of the surgery their son requires. When Francis was about one year old, he began to experience on-and-off swelling in a sensitive area of his body. As he has gotten older, the swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain, especially after sleeping or playing. This has limited his ability to enjoy normal childhood activities. Francis attended our partner’s medical care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hydrocele. Francis needs surgery, or he will continue to experience painful symptoms. Fortunately, on November 2nd, Francis will undergo hydrocele repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $146 to fund his procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis’s mother shared, “Given a chance of support, I am sure my son will get operated on and will get better. My only challenge is finances, but I believe with your support, all will be well.”

Set is a 70-year-old woman from Kampong Chhnang province in Cambodia. A former rice farmer, she has five daughters, four sons, and 20 grandchildren. Set's husband passed away five years ago, and she currently lives with her youngest daughter, who sells vegetables. Set's favorite thing to do is visit the pagoda. About two years ago, Set developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Set has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own. When Set learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 10th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Set contributed a $25 co-pay toward her care and is requesting assistance to raise $238 more to fund her treatment. Set shared her hopes that, after surgery, her vision will improve so she can easily travel to distant places, visit the pagoda, and recognize her relatives clearly.