Rachana is a 27-year-old from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who are rice farmers in the Svay Rieng province. Originally, Rachana worked in a bank but has been unable to work since his injury. He has one brother and two sisters, all of whom still live nearby. In his free time, Rachana likes to go through social media apps on his phone. In January 2022, Rachana was in a motorcycle collision and lost consciousness for about ten minutes. He injured his left foot and was treated at a local hospital, where he lost his left big toe due to trauma. The traumatic injury from the fall also left him unable to move his left upper arm. He visited several hospitals and a Khmer traditional healer, but the immobility has not been able to be treated. Rachana also has bent toes on his left foot, which can be a symptom of a neurological disease, making it painful for him to walk or run. He has also been depressed since his injury because his limited mobility affects his daily activities. When Rachana learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, surgeons at CSC will perform an arthrodesis fusion of his left toes, allowing him to walk again after this procedure. His shoulder injury is too old for a nerve transfer, but he may be eligible for a free flap muscle transfer at a later time. CSC is requesting $600 to fund this procedure. Rachana contributed $100 to his care. Rachana said: “I hope, after this surgery, my toes will be normal, and it will not be painful to walk or run. I also hope doctors will be able to help me with my arm later.”

Kim is a 57-year-old woman from Cambodia. She and her husband are rice farmers and have two children, a son who is 20 years old and in grade twelve and a daughter who is 16 years old and in grade ten. Kim also works a second job washing dishes to supplement the family's income. When at home, Kim likes to cook for the family and keep the house clean. Last week, Kim slipped outside on tile steps during a summer rainstorm and fell on her left wrist. She visited a local clinic, where an x-ray revealed that she had a fracture. Kim is in pain and cannot use her left arm. Her local doctor recommended she undergo surgery, but the cost at their clinic was too steep for Kim and her family. Kim and her husband traveled for two and a half hours to receive care at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On July 17th, the surgeons at CSC will perform a closed reduction procedure on her wrist, and Kim will use a cast as she heals. CSC is requesting $485 to fund Kim's care, which includes the surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and her hospital stay. Kim contributed $50 to her care. Kim said, "After surgery, I hope that I can use my hand again and won't have pain."

Sovann is a friendly 14-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his mother and two siblings in Kandal province. His parents are divorced, and his mother works in a local factory to support the family. He is currently in the ninth grade and enjoys geography, history, and mathematics. At home, he likes to eat fried eggs, soup, and milk, and play football with his friends. Sovann would like to join the army when he is old enough. For six years, Sovann has been experiencing sore throats and difficulty swallowing. He snores at night and often experiences hoarseness in the mornings, making it difficult for him to talk. He was treated at a private clinic with medication, but his condition did not improve. The frequent illness has caused him to miss school. Sovann was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Sovann, which is scheduled to take place on April 28th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Sovann of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Sovann said: "I hope it will be easy to breathe again and I will feel good enough to play football with my friends."