Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Sophea is a 57-year-old cleaner from Cambodia. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. She lives with her eldest daughter, who works as a garment worker. In her free time, Sophea enjoys listening to music. About six months ago, Sophea developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing clearly, particularly colors and faces. Moreover, Sophea has difficulty traveling independently. Sophea visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, seeking treatment. On October 22nd, Sophea will undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant surgery in her right eye. Her family can contribute $40, but needs help raising $223 more to help fund her procedure and care. Sophea shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily, and I can go back to work without having to worry about my eye anymore."

Catherine is a 43-year-old woman and mother of four children from Uganda. She and her husband are teachers. Together, they work hard to provide for their family, meet their children's educational needs, and ensure that the household has its necessities. Their teaching careers are an important source of livelihood, although the demands of raising four children and meeting other family responsibilities require careful financial planning. Five years ago, Catherine began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent pain in her lower abdomen. Initially, she hoped that the discomfort would resolve with treatment, but unfortunately, the pain has continued over the years. She particularly experiences it during physical exertion, and despite receiving treatment, she has not obtained lasting relief. She was diagnosed with appendicitis. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Catherine receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo surgery that will address her symptoms and prevent future health complications on November 3rd. This procedure will cost $297, and Catherine and her family need your support. Catherine says, "For the past five years, I have lived with persistent pain in my lower abdomen. I have visited several health facilities and tried different treatments. This condition has caused me a lot of worry because I am a mother of four children and a teacher who still has many responsibilities to fulfil. I am afraid that if the problem is not properly treated, my condition may worsen and affect my ability to care for my family and continue working. I sincerely appeal to kind-hearted donors to support me in accessing the medical care I need. Your assistance would give me renewed hope of overcoming this pain, regaining my health, and returning to my normal life. I would be deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity."