Pov is a determined 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his parents and is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom are married. His father sells drinking water, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is currently studying in Grade 11 and enjoys physics. He dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. His favorite meals are soups, especially those with lots of vegetables, and he enjoys playing football with his friends in his free time. Eleven months ago, Pov sustained electrical burns to both hands in an accident. As the wounds healed, severe scar contractures developed, affecting the right first finger webspace and the left fifth finger. The scar contractures have tightened the skin and limited movement in both hands. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects, hold items properly, and write his school lessons. He also feels self-conscious about the appearance of his scars and often hides them by wearing long sleeves. Pov sought treatment with our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On May 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve hand movement and restore better function. This treatment will help him write more easily, hold objects comfortably, and regain confidence in using his hands for daily activities and school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $627 more to fund his procedure and care. Pov said, “I hope this surgery will help my hands move normally again so I can write my lessons easily, hold things without difficulty, and feel confident without needing to hide my scars anymore.”

Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Srey Neang is a 22-year-old factory worker from Prey Veng, Cambodia. She lives with her parents, who are rice farmers, and is the middle child of three siblings. Before her injury, she worked to help support her family. In her free time, she enjoyed listening to music and watching movies. In April 2025, Srey Neang was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that caused an open fracture of her left femur. She lost consciousness for about 12 hours and was hospitalized for two weeks. Over the past year, she has undergone 10 surgeries, but the fracture became infected and developed chronic osteomyelitis. During her most recent operation, doctors placed an external fixator and antibiotic bone cement to control the infection. Despite these treatments, she continues to have drainage from the pin sites, a large bone defect in her left femur, pain, and difficulty walking. Srey Neang was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for specialized care. On July 17th, she will undergo surgery to remove the antibiotic bone cement, perform bone grafting, reconstruct the femur with an external frame, and perform an osteotomy to gradually restore the missing bone. This complex limb reconstruction aims to eliminate the infection, promote new bone growth, improve her ability to walk, and help her return to work. However, she cannot afford the full cost of treatment and needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $483 more to fund her procedure and care. Srey Neang said, “After so many surgeries, I never gave up hope. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope this treatment will finally help my leg heal so I can walk again, return to work, and enjoy a normal life.”