At five years old, Angel is currently in preschool in Colombia, and stands out as a curious child, with a strong academic performance, and remarkable personal motivation. From a very young age, he has proudly expressed his dream of becoming a doctor when he grows up. However, his daily life has been affected by a problem that goes beyond the physical: constant pain and oral discomfort have interfered with his concentration, his eating habits, and the normal development expected for his age. About six months ago, Angel was first examined by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed multiple deep cavities. Since then, he has been monitored regularly, but the progression of the disease has been evident. The intense and persistent pain, accompanied by swelling and marked difficulty eating, has begun to significantly impact Angel's quality of life. After assessing the extent of the lesions, the number of affected teeth, and the patient’s young age, the medical team determined that the best and safest option is to perform treatment under general anesthesia. This decision aims not only to ensure comprehensive and effective care, but also to protect the child’s emotional well-being. The proposed treatment, scheduled for April 28th at Clínica Noel, represents an opportunity for relief and recovery. Beyond resolving a dental problem, it will allow Angel to smile again without pain, eat properly, improve his academic performance, and resume his play and learning with peace of mind. Above all, it will give him the chance to continue dreaming of saving lives and becoming, one day, a renowned doctor. Now, Angel's family needs help to fund the $1,109 treatment. Angel's mother said: "As a mother, I sincerely hope that my son can finally feel at ease when it’s time to eat. For a long time, he hasn’t been able to enjoy his favorite food because of the pain and discomfort caused by the cavities he’s currently dealing with. Watching him suffer has been very difficult for me. I want to express my sincere gratitude, because thanks to people with such big hearts like you, families and children have hope again. I cannot find enough words to thank you for everything you are doing for my son. Your support and generosity mean so much to us, and make a huge difference in my little one’s life."

Yet is a retired rice farmer from Kandal province, Cambodia. She is an 87-year-old widow; her husband, two sons, and one daughter died in the Khmer Rouge’s region. Now, she lives with her niece and her sister. Yet likes to listen to the monk pray on the radio. About one year ago, Yet developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Yet learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Yet said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can easily recognize relatives and go around, and I want to help my sister sell bananas."

Chhorn is a 64-year-old vegetable seller from Cambodia. She is married and lives with her husband and youngest child, who works as a chef. Her six children are all married and living with their own families in other provinces. To support her family, she sells vegetables at a local market. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. Ten months ago, Chhorn slipped and fell from a bed, causing a fracture of her right forearm. After the injury, she underwent surgery at a private hospital, where doctors inserted hardware into her right radius to stabilize the fracture and help it heal properly. Although the fracture has healed, she continues to experience pain when lifting, carrying, or grasping heavy objects. She also has occasional stiffness in her right arm, which makes it difficult to perform some daily activities and work comfortably as a vegetable seller. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 12th, Chhorn will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help reduce her pain and stiffness, improve the function of her right arm, and allow her to lift and carry objects more comfortably. This treatment will help her return to her daily activities and work with greater ease. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund her procedure and care. Chhorn said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my arm. I want to be able to lift and carry things comfortably again and return to my daily activities without discomfort. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this treatment.”