Hem is a 57-year-old rice farmer from Pailin Province in Cambodia. She is married and lives with her 64-year-old husband. They have four children. Her first and second children are rice farmers, her third child works for an organization, and her youngest child is a teacher. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks praying and keeping up with the news. Hem has a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level of her lower spine, a condition in which a spinal disc presses on nearby nerves. She has experienced intermittent lower back pain for approximately three years, but about one month ago, the pain began radiating down the back of her left leg. She also experiences intermittent numbness in her left leg and weakness when extending her left toe. These symptoms have made walking and carrying out her daily activities as a farmer more difficult. Hem was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), by a relative. She traveled approximately seven hours from Pailin to seek specialized care. After evaluation, doctors recommended surgery to relieve the pressure on the affected nerves. Hem is scheduled to undergo laminectomy and decompression of the L4-L5 spine on August 17th. She has contributed $100 towards her treatment but needs an additional $1,400 in support to cover the cost of surgery and related care. The surgery aims to relieve pressure on the nerves and help reduce her back and leg symptoms, allowing her to walk more comfortably and return to farming and her normal daily activities. Hem said, “I hope that this surgery will relieve my back and leg pain, improve the numbness and weakness in my left leg, and help me walk more comfortably again. I wish to return to farming, and continue my normal daily activities.”

Oul is a 65-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. He is married, and his wife is also a rice farmer. They have two daughters, one son, and seven grandchildren. Their children work in construction and garment factories. Oul's favorite hobbies are watching boxing on television and participating in ceremonies. About one year ago, Oul developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places on his own. When Oul learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 10th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Oul contributed a $25 co-pay toward his care and needs assistance raising $238 more to fund his surgery. Oul shared his hopes that, after surgery, his vision will improve so he can easily return to growing rice, travel to distant places, and no longer worry about his eyes.

Rafael is a 22-month-old boy from Ethiopia. His mother works in the finance department of a government institution, while his father works in the utilities sector. He is joyful and active child, who loves playing with toys and cars. Rafael has a condition called cryptorchidism, meaning that one of his testicles has not descended. This condition is often not obvious to parents and may not be diagnosed for some time. Fortunately for Rafael, an extended family member was familiar with a related condition and encouraged Rafael’s mother to have him checked. Rafael then had an ultrasound evaluation in which his condition was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. When Rafael’s mother learned about the condition, she became worried and anxious for his future. Without treatment, Rafael has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and future fertility problems. Fortunately, the doctors referred Rafael for surgery at our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). After about a month, the family was warmly welcomed at BKMCM. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), has scheduled Rafael’s surgery for August 17th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Rafael’s mother shared, “Thank you so much to everyone at BethanyKids. I hope Rafael will be healthy and that he will have a successful and peaceful surgery.”