Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Kerson is a preschooler from Haiti. He lives with his father, who is a construction worker, and his mother, who is a waitress. He enjoys making art with crayons and singing. Kerson has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Kerson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On July 2nd, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart so blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is funding his surgery; however, Kerson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Kerson's family overseas. Kerson's mother shared, "Our family will be so happy and relieved once we know our son is safe!"

Sophai is a 30-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampot Province with his parents, whom he helps care for and support. He divorced his wife five months ago and has one young son, who currently lives with his mother. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In March 2023, Sophai was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused a closed fracture of his right shin bone. After the accident, he went to a private clinic in Kampot Province, where doctors performed surgery to repair his right tibia fracture and implanted a metal plate and screws to stabilize the bone during healing. Although the fracture has healed, the metal plate and screws still cause occasional pain and discomfort in his right leg, especially when he performs heavy physical work such as farming. The discomfort affects his ability to work comfortably and complete daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 4th, Sophai will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will remove the metal plate and screws from his healed right tibia, helping relieve discomfort and allowing him to move and work more comfortably. His family can contribute $25, but needs help to raise $353 more to fund his procedure and care. Sophai said, “I hope removing the metal plate and screws will relieve the discomfort in my leg so I can return to farming and carry out my daily work more comfortably.”