Chanthorn is a 41-year-old chef from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his brother, who works as a chef for weddings. They support each other, earning money to care for their elderly mother, who is 76 years old. His father passed away 30 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In February 2015, Chanthorn sustained an electric shock injury to his left shoulder, causing severe damage to the shoulder joint. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury with screws, but later developed an infection that required removal of the hardware. He has experienced chronic pain and stiffness in his left shoulder for many years. The condition limits his shoulder movement and makes it difficult for him to use his arm comfortably during daily activities and while working as a chef. When Chanthorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his left shoulder joint and to help him to use his arm more comfortably and continue his daily activities and work more easily. Chanthorn is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $561 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I have lived with shoulder pain for many years. I hope this surgery will reduce my pain, help me use my arm more comfortably, and allow me to return to my daily activities without constant discomfort.”

Hana is a one-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing football and watching animated movies. His mother is a homemaker, while his father works as a daily labourer in construction. Hana was born with bladder exstrophy, a congenital anomaly that affects the bladder and surrounding structures, causing the bladder to form outside the body instead of inside the abdomen. The condition can lead to various challenges, including difficulties with urinary control, potential risks of infection, and a risk of infertility. Fortunately, Hana is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Hana’s mother shared, “My greatest wish is to see my child healthy, happy, and growing strong. I am deeply grateful to the organisation for providing my child with this life-changing support and the opportunity to receive the treatment he needed. May God bless everyone who made this possible, and bless you all for your kindness and support.”

Obsa is 11 years old and a fifth-grader from Ethiopia. His father is a merchant, while his mother is a homemaker who looks after Obsa and his siblings. When he was just two years old, Obsa started to experience difficult breathing, snoring, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite. Over the years, the symptoms have gotten worse, affecting his growth, development, and concentration in school. Obsa was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Obsa, which is scheduled to take place on October 3rd. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Obsa of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Obsa's parents shared, "We hope that the successful surgical removal of his chronically enlarged tonsils will bring a permanent end to the breathing, eating, and sleeping difficulties that have plagued him for over nine years."