Vorleak is an 18-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in Preah Vihear Province with her parents, who work as rice farmers. She is the eldest of three siblings and is preparing to attend university soon. Her younger brother is in Grade 7, and her younger sister is in Grade 5. She enjoys reading books and listening to music. Two months ago, Vorleak was involved in a road traffic accident that resulted in a severe injury to the nerves of her right arm, causing weakness and loss of function. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She is unable to use her right arm and hand normally due to weakness and paralysis affecting her shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers. The condition has significantly limited her ability to perform daily activities independently and has prevented her from attending university. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Vorleak traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On June 11th, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she will regain independence in daily activities and increase her ability to pursue her education and future goals. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help to raise $712 to fund her procedure and care. Vorleak said, “I hope that after the surgery, my right arm and hand function will improve, allowing me to carry out daily activities independently and prepare for university.”

Punleu is a 17-year-old Grade 11 student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampot Province with his parents and younger brother, who is in Grade 8. His father works as a construction contractor, and his mother stays at home to manage household duties and take care of their orange farm. Punleu enjoys studying Khmer literature. In his free time, he likes listening to music and playing volleyball with his friends in the village. He hopes to become an agricultural specialist in the future. In December 2024, Punleu was in in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right lower leg. He was treated at a provincial hospital where he underwent ORIF surgery with plate and screw fixation of the leg. Since the surgery, he has been experiencing pain when walking long distances and stiffness in his right leg during cold weather, which affects his daily activities and mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 18th, Punleu will undergo a hardware removal procedure to reduce pain and stiffness and improve his walking ability and overall comfort. Punleu's family is contributing to his surgery, but they need to raise an additional $303 for the procedure. Punleu says, “After the surgery, I hope I will be able to walk better without pain, regain my strength and confidence, and return to my normal daily life, studies, and activities without any limitation.”

Sry is 72 years old and a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her husband, a retired teacher, and her grandson, who is in Grade 10. She has seven children, all of whom are married and live in nearby provinces. Although she is no longer working as a rice farmer, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. In 2017, Sry was struck by a cow and suffered a hip fracture. She underwent a left hip hemiarthroplasty. However, she has continued to experience pain in her left hip. Over the past year, the pain has become much worse, particularly when she moves her leg or at night. Walking has become difficult, and she now relies on a walking frame for support. This has affected her independence and made it harder for her to carry out daily activities and care for her vegetable garden. After learning about Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) through a relative, Sry decided to seek further treatment. On November 3rd, she is scheduled to undergo a left revision total hip replacement to address the acetabular erosion and improve her mobility. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,400 to fund her procedure and care. Sry said, “I have been living with hip pain for many years, and it has become much worse over the past year. Walking and moving around are now very difficult for me. I hope this surgery will relieve my pain so I can walk more comfortably, take care of my daily activities, and return to farming.”