Sambath is 17 years old and a first-year university student majoring in marketing from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Kampong Cham province with his parents, who work as rice farmers. He is the second child among four siblings. His older sister is studying accounting at university, while his two younger siblings are still attending high school. In addition to helping his family, he works a part-time job to help cover household expenses and support his education. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and doing his assignments. Since he was five years old, Sambath had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his left ear to perforate. For this reason, Sambath experiences persistent ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, and a ringing sound in the ear. This makes it difficult for him to hear clearly, which affects communication with others and his ability to focus in class. Hearing problems have also caused discomfort and reduced his confidence in social interactions and academic activities. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sambath receive treatment. On March 4th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $338 more to fund his procedure and care. Sambath shared, “Since I was young, I have struggled with my hearing. It is hard for me to follow lessons in class and talk with my friends. I hope that one day I can have surgery to repair my ear so I can hear clearly, study better, and feel more confident when communicating with others.”

Faidhan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with both his parents, and is the second child in the family. He is an energetic and cheerful child who enjoys talking and interacting with those around him. Faidhan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus (bow legs), a condition where the knees curve outward while the feet and ankles touch. His parents first noticed the condition when both of his legs began bending outward as he learned to walk. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Despite the family's attempted efforts, his walking remains difficult and the condition limits his stability. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Faidhan. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Faidhan's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Faidhan's father says, “He wants to run and follow other children, but his legs cannot support him well most of the time. We hope this treatment will change his future.”

Phally is 61 years old and a widow from a rural area in Kandal province, Cambodia. She lives with her eldest child, who works as a breakfast seller in a small booth. Her husband passed away nine years ago, and she has relied on her own strength and the support of her children since then. She is the mother of five children, all of whom are now married and living in nearby villages. Seven days ago, Phally was involved in a road accident when another motorcycle collided with hers, causing her to fall to the ground. She sustained a left femoral neck fracture, resulting in severe hip pain and an inability to walk or bear weight on her left leg. After the accident, she went to a private clinic where X-rays confirmed the fracture and surgery was recommended. However, she could not afford the cost of treatment. Later, a relative who knew about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), advised her to come for further evaluation and care. On February 18th, surgeons will perform a left hip hemi-arthroplasty procedure, which will relieve her pain, restore strength and mobility in her hip, and allow her to walk and carry out daily activities independently. She can afford to pay $100, and needs help raising $612 more to fund her procedure and care. Phally said, “After the surgery, I hope my hip will be strong again, so I can walk without pain and return to my daily activities. I want to be independent and not rely on others for everything.”