Hav is a four-year-old boy from Cambodia. He is the only child in his family and currently lives with his grandmother, who is a rice farmer. Because of financial difficulties, his parents have moved to the city to find construction work. He enjoys playing with toys with his cousins, and his favorite foods are fried pork and eggs. Around May 2026, Hav suffered an electric burn to his left hand. Although the wound healed with basic wound care, scar tissue gradually formed and tightened around his left ring finger. The scar contracture has tightened the skin around his left ring finger, making it difficult for him to fully straighten and move the finger. This can also make it harder for him to use his hand comfortably while playing and during other everyday activities. When Hav's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On September 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to address the scar that is restricting his ring finger, helping him move it more naturally. Better finger movement can support his ability to play, explore, and use his hand as he grows. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Hav's grandmother said, “I hope the surgery will help my grandson move and straighten his finger more easily. He is still very young, and I hope he can use his hand comfortably as he grows, plays, and learns.”

Reaksa is 14 years old and a 10th grader from Cambodia. She is the only child in her family and lives with her parents. Her father works as a chef in a restaurant, while her mother works as a cleaner. She enjoys studying Khmer literature, which is her favorite subject at school, and hopes to become a teacher in the future. In her free time, she likes drawing and listening to music. Her favorite foods are sour fish soup and fried vegetables. Around the age of 10, Reaksa's mother first noticed that her daughter’s back was becoming curved. Over the years, the curvature gradually worsened. She now has severe scoliosis, with her spine bending significantly toward the right side and associated kyphosis. Her condition has begun to affect her daily life. She has difficulty walking and sitting for long periods, and the discomfort she experiences while sitting makes it difficult for her to concentrate in class. Despite these challenges, she continues to attend school and work toward her dream of becoming a teacher. Until now, her family has not been able to afford the treatment she needs. Her family learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), through social media and sought treatment. On August 18th, she will undergo posterior spinal fusion (PSF) from T3 to L3, a surgical procedure that uses instrumentation to correct and stabilize the curved portion of her spine. She needs help of $1,500 to help cover the costs of her surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. The surgery aims to improve the alignment of her spine and prevent the severe curvature from progressing further. Reaksa's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help manage my daughter’s severe spinal deformity, improve her comfort and posture, and allow her to stay active and continue her studies and daily activities. I want her to feel more confident and comfortable as she grows.”

Francis is a 49-year-old married man with 4 children from Malawi. He orders raw cassava from farms and sells it in town. However, due to his health, he is unable to work. Eleven years ago, Francis noticed a swelling in a sensitive part of his body. The swelling would be intense and cause pain and discomfort, affecting his ability to work and perform daily tasks. He was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is a condition where tissue, such as part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. If left untreated, inguinal hernias can lead to complications, such as strangulation, which cuts off the blood flow to the protruding intestine and can be life-threatening. Surgery is the only recommended treatment. Fortunately, on July 1st, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Francis's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis shared, "I am afraid of losing my life; the swelling terrifies me; I need your support to help me get better again, for me to resume my business and continue supporting my family."