Phanith is an 18-year-old student who lives in Takeo province in Cambodia with his parents and two siblings. His mother works in a clothing factory and his father works in construction. In December 2021, Phanith was involved in a motorcycle accident. He lost consciousness and suffered damage to his brachial piexus or the network of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord in the neck and extend down into his shoulder, arm, and hand. In addition, he fractured the lower bone of his left arm. At a local hospital in Takeo province, he underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of his left radius, to repair the fracture. However, he still suffers from weakness, loss of sensation, and paralysis in his left shoulder and arm. Phanith lives in constant pain because the hardware from his surgery has become exposed and is infected. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On April 5th, Phanith will undergo a hardware removal procedure. Phanith is able to contribute $80 but needs your help to raise another $304 to fund the procedure. The removal of the hardware will eliminate the source of the chronic infection and allow surgeons to concentrate on rehabilitation for his brachial plexus injury. Phanith shared, "I hope I will have no more infection, be able to move my left arm, and be able to return to finish school."

Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"

Chanthorn is a 21-year-old mango farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his mother and older brother in the village where he grew up. He has four other siblings, and they live in nearby villages with their families. One year ago, while Chanthorn was lifting a crate of mangoes, he suddenly experienced a sharp pain in his back. The pain persisted and he noticed a curvature in his spine. He experiences chronic daily pain due to his injury. Chanthorn's injury has prevented him from working on the farm. He also used to enjoy playing soccer every evening with his friends in the village, but is unable to due to his injury. Chanthorn traveled five and a half hours to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for a diagnosis and treatment. On March 20th, our surgeons will perform surgery to align his spine using implants. This procedure will ease his pain and allow him to return to work. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund his procedure. The costs will cover surgery and in-patient care, including physiotherapy. Chanthorn's mother said, "I hope my son will feel healthy again and be able to return to work on the farm."