Yong is a 54-year-old construction worker who lives in Phnom Penh with his wife, one son, three daughters, and two grandchildren. His wife sells popcorn near the Tonle Sap River to families and tourists. In his free time, Yong likes to listen to music, help his wife clean the house, or watch TV. Yong has diabetes and high blood pressure. About three months ago, he stepped on a nail at work and injured his right foot. The wound became infected, a common occurrence for people with diabetes who may not even know of the injury. Initially, Yong did not seek medical treatment because he could not afford the care. But when the wound did not heal, he visited a local clinic where a dressing was placed on his foot. Unfortunately, the wound has gotten larger - it now covers his ankle, and he has a constant fever. Yong is in pain, and he can no longer walk on his right foot or work in construction. If not treated, his infection could lead to gangrene and the loss of his foot. He is worried because he cannot afford to support his family if he cannot work. When Yong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he sought treatment. On September 19, surgeons at CSC will perform a skin graft procedure to clean away the dead skin and cover the ulcer with a skin graft. Doctors will use a healthy skin area (the donor site) taken from another part of his body and place it over the damaged skin. Now, Yong needs help to fund this $487 procedure. Yong said: "I hope my foot can heal from the infection and I can go to work again."

Steeve is a 14-month-old toddler from Haiti. He is an only child and loved deeply by his mom and dad. Steeve has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Steeve has been experiencing increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Steeve will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Steeve at Hospital Bernard Mevs that will treat his hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on September 19. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Steeve's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Steeve will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Steeve's family is hoping that the surgery will stop the progression of brain damage from hydrocephalus. They are looking forward to watching their toddler grow older and are hopeful for healthier days ahead.

Janet is an 18-year-old student and the second of three children in her family. Her parents do not have regular employment but do work whenever they can get it at a neighboring flower farm. Janet was doing well in her early years, but in 2020, she began falling, and started experiencing headaches, with symptoms similar to epilepsy. Sometimes her eyes were affected, causing blurred vision. She began falling more frequently, and she was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital, where a brain tumor was diagnosed. Janet had a successful craniotomy (brain surgery). Following the surgery, she developed a limping gait, had difficulty talking, and experienced non-typical body movements. Over time, she seems to have improved as she continues with therapy. Janet started experiencing new symptoms just a few weeks ago. She began crying at night but could not explain her problem. Eventually, it was determined that her left hand was not straightening out and it was suspected that Janet may have fallen and broken her hand without knowing it. An x-ray showed a closed fracture dislocation of the left elbow. Janet's mother was advised to bring her to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), and their care center. The surgeon has recommended an Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF). This surgery will hopefully mend Janet's elbow. If not treated, Janet will continue to have pain. She may not be able to use her hand, and the fracture may develop malunion, or a permanent deformed healing. Fortunately, surgeons at AMH can help. On September 5th, Janet will undergo surgery. AMH is requesting $1,049 to fund this fracture repair procedure. Unfortunately, the family is not in a position to meet this cost. “My daughter does not even understand what is going on because of her other condition, but I plead for her support so that she can be able to use her hand in the future,” said Janet’s mother.