Vuthy is a 21-year-old day laborer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents, who work as day laborers. He is the fourth of five siblings. His three older siblings are married, and his youngest sister is in Grade 12. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends in the village. About six months ago, Vuthy was involved in a motor vehicle accident that fractured his left upper arm. He underwent surgery at a private clinic, but the bone became infected and did not heal properly, resulting in a chronic wound and a radial nerve injury. He experiences persistent pain, stiffness, and pus discharge from the wound on his left upper arm. The radial nerve injury also prevents him from lifting his wrist or straightening his fingers, making it difficult to use his left hand for work and daily activities. When Vuthy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 4th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the damaged and infected tissue from his left upper arm, helping control the infection and promote wound healing. This is an important first step before further reconstructive procedures to restore the function of his arm and hand. Vuthy's family can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $367 more to fund his procedure and care. Vuthy said, “I hope this surgery will remove the infection, heal my arm, and help me regain the use of my hand so I can return to my normal life and become independent again.”

Kong is a 64-year-old widow and mother of three from Cambodia. She lives with her second child, who sells groceries. Kong is retired and enjoys tending to vegetables around her house in her free time. In June 2014, Kong was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in fractures of her left forearm and elbow. Kong was treated by our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, whose surgeons performed plate fixation and a bone graft. These procedures were successful, and Kong regained good mobility in her arm. However, she still experiences pain when moving her left elbow. Now, surgeons recommend a procedure to remove the metal plate that was implanted during her initial surgery. On September 3rd, Kong will undergo a hardware removal procedure to help reduce the discomfort around her left elbow and make arm movement more comfortable, helping her manage her everyday activities with greater ease. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $353 more to fund his procedure and care. Kong said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain in my elbow and make it easier for me to move my arm. I look forward to feeling more comfortable and being able to carry out my daily activities without the discomfort I have lived with for so long.”

50-year-old Snollah is a small-scale businesswoman who sells tomatoes in her neighborhood in Malawi. Together, she and her husband have three children, the youngest of whom is still in school. Snollah's husband is a quantity surveyor who is currently unable to work, due to a diagnosis of prostate cancer, for which he is receiving treatment. For about three years now, Snollah has been experiencing backaches, lower abdominal pains and a lack of appetite. At first, she was treated for epigastric pain, but when that didn't work, she returned to the hospital, where scans revealed several large, uterine fibroids. Because of the size of these tumors, they are considered to be potentially dangerous, as they can cause pressure on other organs. She was informed that she would need to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,363 to fund Snollah's surgery, which is scheduled to take place on June 8th, at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Snollah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain, and to continue to support her husband. She says, "I experience fullness in my belly which is very uncomfortable. Your support will provide comfort and help me be a supportive mother."