Sorim is a 12-year-old student in grade five. He has two younger siblings - a one-month-old brother, and an eight-year-old sister. His parents are rice farmers in Kampong Chhnang province. In school, he enjoys Khmer literature and would like to be a doctor when he grows up. Sorim's favorite meal is fried eggs and chicken soup. At home, he enjoys playing with toys with friends, reading books, and swimming in the lake near his house. When he was six months old, the middle and ring fingers of his right hand were burned in a cooking fire. He did not receive any care, as his parents had no money for treatment. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his burn. Now he cannot extend his fingers and it is difficult for him to carry things or hold a pencil to write in school. When Sorim's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to help him to use his hand again. Now, their family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Sorim said: "My friends make fun of my hand, and it makes me feel bad. I hope I can use my fingers after surgery and I won't have any pain."

Khneng is a 67 year old former farmer. He lives with his wife and youngest daughter - a garment worker - in Cambodia. Together, he and his wife have one son, five daughters, and four grandchildren. To supplement their income, Khneng maintains a small vegetable garden. Two years ago, Khneng developed a cataract in his left eye, which causes him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Because he has difficulty seeing clearly, he is reluctant to go out on his own. When Khneng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours to seek treatment. On November 3rd, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in his left eye. After he has fully recovered, Khneng will be able to see clearly, and regain his independence. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Khneng said: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go outside, take care of myself, and plant vegetables around my house to sell and support our living."

Giripina is an elder from Uganda who had eleven children- three of whom are still living. She is a small-scale farmer alongside her husband, who also practices carpentry. During her free time, Giripina enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. One month ago, Giripina began to experience uncomfortable symptoms, including a bulging abdomen. She continued with her activities at home, hoping that the condition would go away on its own. When the symptoms intensified, she was referred to a hospital where she was diagnosed with partial intestinal obstruction. The doctors recommended surgery given that, if left untreated, Giripina could develop worsened obstruction, gangrene, intestinal perforation, sepsis, or death. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Giripina with this life-saving treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a curative laparotomy on March 10th. This procedure will cost $297, and Giripina and her family need your support. Gripina says, “I pray for a successful surgery. I hope to get well so that I may be able to continue taking care of myself and my family through farming.”