Ly Chheng is a 77-year-old man from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his wife and their third child, who works as a tailor. He has six children in total, all of whom are married and have their own jobs. He is no longer working, and in his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. Ly Chheng has severe cervical spinal stenosis, a condition in which narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord. He has experienced intermittent numbness and weakness in his hands and extremities for approximately four to five years, with his symptoms becoming progressively worse since early 2026. He now experiences numbness and weakness in both hands, hand clumsiness, difficulty walking steadily, and frequent urges to urinate. He also has neck stiffness and pain that can extend toward his shoulders. These symptoms have made it increasingly difficult for him to move around safely and manage his daily activities independently. Ly Chheng's family was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek specialized care. On August 17th, surgeons at CSC plan to perform cervical spine decompression to relieve pressure on his spinal cord and help prevent further deterioration. The surgery costs $1,500, and his family can contribute $50, but they need help covering the remaining $1,450. After surgery, he hopes to have less numbness and weakness, walk more steadily, and become more independent in his daily activities. Ly Chheng said, “I hope the treatment will relieve the pressure on my spinal cord, improve the numbness and weakness in my hands, and help me walk more steadily. I want to be more independent and able to manage my daily activities more comfortably.”

Seanglong is a 19-year-old young man from Cambodia. He lives alone in Phnom Penh, where he works as a mechanic. His family lives in Kampong Cham Province. He is the second of four siblings. His older brother is a third-year university student, while his two younger siblings are still in high school. His parents are rice farmers and continue to support the family from their hometown. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and playing games. On May 6, 2026, Seanglong sustained an injury to his right lower leg after accidentally falling onto broken glass while working in a garage. The wound later became infected and required further medical care. After the injury, he initially received treatment at a hospital near his home, where the wound was cleaned and sutured, and he was then sent home. The following day, he sought further treatment from a nearby doctor and received home care for three days. However, the wound progressively worsened, becoming necrotic and developing discharge. He now experiences pain, infection, and necrosis, making it difficult for him to move and continue his work as a mechanic. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is helping Seanglong receive treatment. On May 11th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to help remove pressure and infected tissue, control the infection, and support proper healing of the right leg. Now, Seanglong needs help to fund this $417 procedure. Seanglong said, “After the surgery, I hope that my leg will heal completely so I can return to my job as a mechanic and continue helping my family.”

Robert is a 23-year-old casual labourer from Uganda. Due to financial challenges during his childhood, he was not able to finish school and therefore has limited employment opportunities. His parents are small-scale farmers and do not have the means to help him with his medical needs. About two months ago, Robert began to experience sharp abdominal pain that was so severe that he was rushed to a nearby clinic. He was referred to a larger hospital, where doctors discovered a large abdominal mass. Though doctors recommended surgery, Robert was unable to afford it and was given pain medication. As time has gone on, his condition has continued to deteriorate, and he is no longer able to work, which has forced him to move back in with his parents. Fortunately, one of his uncles decided to travel with Robert to our partner’s medical care centre, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Robert’s surgery will take place on November 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $242 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Robert shared, “All I request is your support. With it, I will be operated on and will get back on my feet. I have suffered enough pain, and all I ask of you is to save me.”