Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Pheareak is a 39-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his elderly parents and four siblings. He is the third of five children. His older brother is a chef, his older sister sells vegetables, his younger brother works for a company, and his youngest sister stays at home. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and watching the news on his phone In 2015, Pheareak was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture of his left femur. He underwent several procedures to repair the fracture, including fixation and later revision surgery. Unfortunately, the fracture became complicated by an infection, requiring further treatment with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). After recovering, he was able to walk well and continued with his daily life for several years. Two months ago, Pheareak began experiencing increasing pain in his left thigh and knee after trying to bend his knee. His left leg gradually became weaker, and he eventually lost the ability to walk. He now relies on a wheelchair and has limited movement in his left knee. A recent X-ray revealed another fracture of his left femur. Fortunately, CSC can help Pheareak. On September 1st, Pheareak will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize and realign his left femur and give the bone a better chance to heal, helping him regain strength and mobility so he can walk and return to his normal daily activities. His family can contribute $1000, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Pheareak said, “I hope this surgery will help my leg heal properly and allow me to walk again without pain. I want to regain my strength and return to my normal daily activities.”

Jorgelis is a 10-year-old student from a town in Antioquia, Colombia. She is cheerful and intelligent, with a sweet energy that is contagious and leaves a special impression on everyone around her. Jorgelis dreams of becoming a great doctor when she grows up so she can help others. Since she was a few months old, Jorgelis has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. This condition causes discomfort or tenderness, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. The discomfort can also make it hard for kids to do everyday childhood activities, such as playing and jumping. If left untreated, there is a risk of developing future health complications. Jorgelis needs to undergo surgery to correct the hernia and prevent potential future complications. Fortunately, on May 28th, she will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Jorgelis's surgery. Jorgelis's family shared: "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made this donation for the surgery possible. This support means the world to our daughter and to us as a family. We trust in God and the doctors that everything will go well and that her recovery will be quick and successful. What we long for most is to see her healthy, happy, and full of life, so that she can continue to grow and fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor and helping many people."