Heak is 60 years old and a hardworking rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her niece, who is a Grade 12 student. She is the seventh of ten siblings, all of whom are married. Her parents passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. Despite many hardships in life, she continues to support herself through rice farming. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and helping with household chores. In 2024, Heak was involved in an overturned car accident while traveling in Thailand, resulting in a severe fracture of her left femur near the knee. Although she underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, the bone failed to heal properly and developed into a nonunion, causing ongoing pain in her left knee and leg. Heak experiences persistent pain and stiffness in her left knee, making it difficult to walk without support. The condition limits her independence, affects her ability to work in the rice fields, and makes everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, Heak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Heak of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for June 1st. Heak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,213 more for her procedure and care. Heak said, “I hope this treatment will help me walk without support again and live without pain. Being able to move independently would mean so much to me and allow me to return to my normal life.”

Qanitah is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the second-born in a family of three children and lives with her parents and extended relatives. Qanitah sustained burn injuries to both hands at a very young age. The burns mildly affected her right wrist joint and severely involved the fingers of both hands, leading to fusion and restricted movement. As she grew, the condition has increasingly limited her ability to use her hands independently for daily activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Qanitah receive treatment. On February 6th, surgeons at their care center, Kafika House, will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to restore hand function and allow Qanitah to live a more independent and meaningful life. Without surgical release, the contractures will continue to limit hand function and affect her future independence, including future school participation and self-care. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Qanitah's mother says, “She wants to hold things and feed herself like other children, but her fingers cannot open properly, and that breaks my heart.”

Zaw is a 46-year-old man from Burma. He lives by himself in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. His wife and son still live in Burma. In November 2025, while fleeing from Burmese soldiers, Zaw ran and fell to the ground. Despite being in pain, he continued to run until he reached Thailand, where he was able to seek help from locals in the area. He sought treatment at various health facilities and was finally referred to our medical partner's care center, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, for specialized care. Zaw was diagnosed with a left distal femur fracture and has been unable to work. A non-profit has been supporting him for his daily needs, but Zaw needs surgery to facilitate healing and prevent future health complications. He is in pain and can only walk with crutches. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Zaw will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for May 1st and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Zaw able to walk again and be free from pain Zaw expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much to this organization and the donors for your willingness to support my treatment costs. Although I do not know everyone personally, I will always remember your kindness and support. Without your help, I would have faced permanent disability in my left leg, as I had no one else to ask for help.”