Meet Tichheang, a 13-year-old, second-grade student from Cambodia. His parents work as farmers, cultivating rice and cashews. His favorite subjects in school are Khmer and Sociology, and he loves playing the drums with his dad and playing soccer with his friends in his free time. When Tichheang grows up, he dreams of becoming a drummer! Around five years ago, Tichheang developed an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. As a result, Tichheang experiences ear pain accompanied by fever, ear drainage, headaches, and weakened hearing on the right side. It is very difficult for Tichheang to communicate at school due to this condition. He is also often absent from class due to his symptoms. Tichheang's family traveled to our medical partner's care center for treatment. On April 9th, Tichheang will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Tichheang and his family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $926 more to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. His mother shared: "I want to see my son in good health and able to communicate more easily."

Channy is a bright 11-year-old girl. Residing in Takeo province, she shares a home with her parents and younger brother. Her family's livelihood revolves around rice farming, with some vegetable crops to add to their diet. Currently in the 6th grade, she enjoys Khmer history and English. Looking towards the future, she would like to become a teacher when she grows up. When she is at home, she enjoys playing with dolls and eating her mother's fried pork with rice. For four years, Channy has been experiencing a sore throat with difficulty swallowing and sleeping at night. She does not sleep well and has missed school. She has trouble eating and gaining weight due to a sore throat. Her mother bought medicine from the local pharmacy, but it did not help. Channy was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Channy, which is scheduled to take place on January 3rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Channy of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Her mother shared: "I hope Channy stops having throat infections after the operation. We hope she sleeps and eats better than before."

Chrispine is a four-year-old boy from Malawi. He has two other siblings, one twin brother and one sister. His mother Everes, had two sets of twins, but tragically lost one of the girls shortly after birth. Christpine's mother sells vegetables and her husband is a farm worker. Chrispine likes playing and enjoys all kinds of food. Chrispine was born with bilateral inguinal hernia, which are lumps on both sides of the lower abdomen resulting from a weakness of the abdominal wall. His mother has been awaiting for an opportunity for surgery at a nearby hospital, but recently Chrispine has been experiencing a lot of pain. The condition has also affected his mother's ability to work, which has caused an income reduction for the family. A former beneficiary of the surgery support program at our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Centre, advised the family to seek help there. The diagnosis of bilateral inguinal hernia was confirmed and the need for a surgical intervention emphasized. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Chrispine receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery, after which Chrispine is expected to make a full recovery. Now, Chrispine's family needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Chrispine's mother says, “I am grateful for the entire support given to my son and I am finally looking forward to surgery that will bring the long-awaited healing.”