Choeun is a 46-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. She lives in Takeo Province with her husband, who also works in construction. They have two children; a son who works as a taxi driver, and a daughter who is employed in a garment factory. She enjoys cooking for her family, and especially preparing meals for her elderly parents and husband. About a month ago, Choeun was in a road traffic accident and sustained severe soft tissue injury to her right leg. Although there was no fracture, the injured area got infected, leading to a serious wound condition diagnosed as gas gangrene. Choeun has been experiencing significant pain, swelling, and a foul-smelling discharge from the infected wound on her right leg. The condition has affected her mobility and prevented her from continuing her physically demanding construction work. When Choeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and half hours seeking treatment. On May 13th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to help remove infected and necrotic tissue, control the spread of infection, and promote wound healing to prevent further complications. Choeun and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $392 more to fund the procedure. Choeun says: “I hope that this treatment will heal my leg completely, so I can live without pain, and return to my normal daily activities. I wish to regain my strength and be able to care for my family without discomfort or worry.”

Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

Meng Leap is a 13-month-old baby boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie Province with his parents and two older brothers. He is the youngest child in the family. His first brother is in Grade 4, and his second brother is a kindergarten student. He enjoys playing with toys and likes eating different kinds of fish soup. Meng Leap was born with syndactyly of the right hand. This means that his second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers of his right hand are fused. The fused fingers make it difficult for him to hold and grasp objects, affecting the normal use of his right hand. His right hand and arm are smaller than the left side, which may affect his hand function and confidence as he grows older. Fortunately, on July 20th, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused digits. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will be able to hold and grasp objects more easily and use his hand more normally as he grows. Meng Leap's parents said, “We hope this surgery will help our son use his hand more easily to hold and grasp things. We also hope he will grow up feeling confident and never feel shy because of his hand.”