Rika is a seven-year-old student in first grade from Cambodia. She lives with her parents, her 87-year-old grandmother, and her older brother. Her parents work in a clothing factory in the province. Rika and her older brother attend the local primary school; her favorite subject is English. At home, her grandmother is teaching her how to cook simple dishes such as fried fish, which is her favorite. Rika also enjoys watching cartoons and following her older brother around. When she grows up, she would like to be a nurse. Three years ago, Rika accidentally burned a finger on her left hand from a hanging electrical wire. Her parents took her to a local children's hospital for care but she soon developed a contracture from the scar tissue. She is unable to straighten her finger, which makes it difficult for her to grasp objects. Her parents are worried she will not be able to develop fine motor skills. When Rika's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 12th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore the use of her left hand. Now, she needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Rika's mother said, "I hope my daughter's finger will work better and she will have no pain."

Vuthy is a 55-year-old construction worker from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and three sons, who all earn their living working in local construction projects. About one year ago, Vuthy's right eye was injured when a piece of cement flew into it. Additionally, he developed a cataract in the same eye, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Vuthy has been experiencing hypersensitivity to light, tearing and discomfort. Because his vision is impaired, he is no longer able to work. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Vuthy receive treatment. On April 2nd, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in Vuthy's right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly, enabling him to return to work, and engage in his day-to-day activities. Now, Vuthy needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Vuthy says, "I hope that after surgery, I will be able to see more clearly and go back to work. I am worried that I cannot support my family if I am unable to work."

Kanha is an 8-year-old third grader. She lives in Kampong Speu province with her older brother and grandparents. Her mom works in a handbag factory a couple of hours away, and can spend time with her children on weekends. Her grandparents work as rice farmers, and have some extra income from their daughter's factory job. In her free time, Kanha likes reading and art. She hopes to do well in school so she can work at a bank or private company one day. When she was one year old, Kanha dropped some bread into an open cooking fire. Unfortunately, her right fingers were badly burned when she tried to retrieve the bread. She was treated at a local hospital to manage the burns and prevent infection. Since that time, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around her fingers. When Kanha's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On December 5th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her to use her hand easily again. Now, her family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Kanha said: "I want to be able to hold my pens at school and use my hand better."