Sreymey is a 15-year-old teenage girl from Cambodia. She is the youngest of four siblings and lives with her mother and brother in Kampong Cham province. Her father passed away when she was a toddler. Her mother works as a potato farmer and her older brother is a monk who lives and studies at a pagoda. Her other two siblings attend a nearby school. Sreymey is currently in the 5th grade, and enjoys studying Cambodian history and culture. Sreymey dreams of working in a salon when she grows up. At home, she likes to eat vegetable soup, and she loves spending her free time painting and drawing. Sreymey was born with Escobar syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple pterygia, or web-like skin folds, across joints and other parts of the body. This condition causes muscle tightness throughout her body, affecting both her upper and lower extremities. Her joint mobility is very limited, making it difficult for her to walk and perform daily activities. Because of this, Sreymey is behind several grades in school, but hopes to attend more regularly and focus on her studies. Sreymey was referred by a relative to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). She and her mom traveled for five hours to seek treatment. On June 13th, surgeons will perform a web neck release surgery to improve the function of her neck and head movement. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is seeking assistance to fund the $462 needed for Sreymey's surgery and physiotherapy. Sreymey said, "I hope I can return to school as soon as possible."

Vanna is a 45-year-old tuk-tuk driver who lives in Kampong Cham province with his wife, one son and one daughter. They all live together in a small rented room in town. His son is a construction worker, and his wife and daughter are cleaners in a restaurant. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music. Vanna suffers from diabetes and has had problems with diabetic retinopathy - a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). About three months ago, the retina of Vanna's right eye detached, causing him to have small dark spots that float across his vision, flashes of light in his eye and partial blindness. When Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled there hoping for treatment. On October 8th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly again. Now, he needs help raising $599 to fund his medical care. Vanna shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see well again. And, I can drive my tuk-tuk well again."

Phoeung is a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He and his wife are from Kompong Cham province and they have three sons, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. They live alone in a traditional Khmer stilted house and are financially supported by their children, who farm the ancestral land. At home, Phoeung likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. He also goes to the pagoda when he can. A few months ago, the retina of Phoeung's right eye detached, causing him complete blindness. This can happen when fluid builds up behind the retina of the eye. The fluid pushes the retina away from the tissue behind it. Common causes include leaking blood vessels and swelling because of conditions such as an injury, inflammation, or age-related macular degeneration. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Phoeung learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 7th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Phoeung is able to contribute $250 but needs help in raising $399 more to fund this procedure. Phoeung shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go outside and take care of myself well."