Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Dorothy is a one-year-old girl from Uganda. She is the youngest of seven children. Her parents are small-scale farmers. Dorothy was brought to our medical partner's care center, Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital, with a swelling around her umbilical area. Initially, the swelling was small and painless, so the family did not consider it a serious health concern. However, over the past two months, the swelling gradually increased in size, and three weeks ago, Dorothy started to experience pain. She was taken to the hospital and given treatment, but unfortunately, her condition continued to worsen. The pain became severe, making it difficult for her to breastfeed. She also began crying persistently, causing great concern and distress to her mother. Dorothy has an umbilical hernia and needs surgery to address her symptoms. Fortunately, on November 3rd, she will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund her procedure and care. Dorothy's mother says, "I am very happy and grateful to be connected to this program because I cannot manage to raise money for the operation of my daughter. I kindly request donors to consider my appeal. After surgery, I will continue farming activities and working hard to support my family.

Wadaje is an 18-year-old girl from Ethiopia. She is a college student who lives with her older sister. Two months ago, Wadaje started to experience an itchy infection on her right finger. The wound developed into a contracture, causing significant difficulty with movement. Following her initial treatment at a local small clinic, she developed a severe hand contracture that has left her hand stiff and difficult to use. This has significantly disrupted her studies and daily life. The resulting loss of independence is deeply distressing, as she now depends on her sister for almost everything, which creates a difficult situation for them both. When Wadaje learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, she traveled for one week seeking treatment. On June 3rd, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to gradually restore movement to the right finger. This will make it easier to handle schoolwork and help with household duties comfortably, while also decreasing the frequency and cost of hospital visits. Now, she needs help to fund this $500 procedure. Wadaje said, "I hope to regain the health and skills required to perform my academic and daily tasks with ease, which is vital for my success as a college student."