Phal is a 58-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is from Kampong Thom province, and is a widower - his wife died of an illness several years ago. He has two sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren. He lives with his oldest daughter who is also a rice farmer. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the news on the radio, taking care of his grandchildren, and visiting the village pagoda. Four months ago, Phal discovered a small mass on his lower jaw which has grown quickly in size. He went to a local hospital but had no money so they did not treat him. A biopsy showed him to have a rare cancer - odontogenic carcinoma, which is an abnormal growth in and around the jaw and teeth. He has jaw pain, and it is difficult for him to eat or drink. He has lost almost 10 pounds in the last four months. When Phal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, surgeons at CSC will perform mandibulectomy and free flap to remove the cancerous cells and replace the surgical site with a free skin flap, so he can continue to work as a farmer and support his family. Now, he needs help to fund this $673 procedure. Phal shared: "After surgery, I hope the doctors will remove the tumour from my lower jaw, and I will have no more pain while eating and drinking."

Boneconcila is a 58-year-old woman from Uganda and a mother to two children. She works hard to provide for her children’s education, sharing that being unable to attend school when she was younger fuels her desire to help her children go through school. Boneconcila practices small-scale farming in rural southwestern Uganda to provide for her family. Six years ago, Boneconcila began to experience troubling symptoms, including anterior neck swelling, shortness of breath, and hoarseness in her voice. She was diagnosed with a goiter and needs to undergo surgery to heal. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Boneconcila receive treatment. On October 11th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMH’s care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this surgery. Boneconcila shared, “I hope to be treated and regain my normal voice again."

Khneng is a 67 year old former farmer. He lives with his wife and youngest daughter - a garment worker - in Cambodia. Together, he and his wife have one son, five daughters, and four grandchildren. To supplement their income, Khneng maintains a small vegetable garden. Two years ago, Khneng developed a cataract in his left eye, which causes him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Because he has difficulty seeing clearly, he is reluctant to go out on his own. When Khneng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours to seek treatment. On November 3rd, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in his left eye. After he has fully recovered, Khneng will be able to see clearly, and regain his independence. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Khneng said: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go outside, take care of myself, and plant vegetables around my house to sell and support our living."