Heak is 60 years old and a hardworking rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her niece, who is a Grade 12 student. She is the seventh of ten siblings, all of whom are married. Her parents passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. Despite many hardships in life, she continues to support herself through rice farming. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and helping with household chores. In 2024, Heak was involved in an overturned car accident while traveling in Thailand, resulting in a severe fracture of her left femur near the knee. Although she underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, the bone failed to heal properly and developed into a nonunion, causing ongoing pain in her left knee and leg. Heak experiences persistent pain and stiffness in her left knee, making it difficult to walk without support. The condition limits her independence, affects her ability to work in the rice fields, and makes everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, Heak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Heak of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for June 1st. Heak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,213 more for her procedure and care. Heak said, “I hope this treatment will help me walk without support again and live without pain. Being able to move independently would mean so much to me and allow me to return to my normal life.”

Reaksmey is a determined 16-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie Province with his parents and older brother. His father and brother work as construction workers, while his mother manages the household. Due to financial difficulties, he had to leave school after Grade 9. He enjoys playing football with his friends and loves eating vegetable soup. Three months ago, Reaksmey was involved in a traffic accident that caused a displaced fracture of the mid-shaft of his left femur. Following the injury, his family sought treatment from a traditional healer, but his condition did not improve. During his recovery, he also suffered another fall, which worsened his injury. After remaining unable to stand or walk for several months, his parents took him to a private clinic, where X-rays confirmed a severe fracture of his left femur. He experiences persistent pain in his left thigh and has difficulty moving his leg. He is unable to stand or walk without assistance, and his left leg has become shorter than the right. Because of prolonged immobility, the muscles in his left thigh have become weak and wasted, significantly affecting his mobility and daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 1st, Reaksmey will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure will help reduce pain, improve leg alignment and strength, and allow him to stand and walk more comfortably again. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Reaksmey's mother said, “We hope this treatment will help our son walk normally again and live without pain. Seeing him unable to stand or walk has been very difficult, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help him recover.”

Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."