Phikhirona is a shy 8-year-old student in grade one. Her family consists of her father, formerly employed near Children's Surgical Centre crafting prosthetic limbs, and her two elder sisters. One, aged 13, is currently in grade 5, while the other, aged 11, is navigating grade 4. Unfortunately, her mother succumbed to breast cancer several years ago, so her older sisters watch after her. In her first year of attending school, she has interest in Khmer subjects. Back at home, her cooking skills are being developed by her older sisters, who are teaching her how to prepare her favorite dish - fried pork with vegetables. Phikhirona was born with polydactyly of both hands and feet. This means that she has an extra digit on the side of both hands and polysyndactyly of her feet. On each foot, she has an extra toe that is connected, via fusing or webbing, to an adjacent toe. She faces difficulty wearing conventional shoes due to the presence of extra toes and fingers, and unfortunately, she endures teasing from other children as a result. Fortunately, on January 29th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digits of her hands. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $299 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will feel more comfortable about her appearance, and she won't be ashamed of how her feet look. Her father shared: "I hope that the surgery will not cause any infection and the extra fingers will not grow back."

Leat is a 37-year-old mother of two and a rice farmer from Cambodia. Her husband also works in the rice fields. They spend their downtime with their two children. Leat enjoys cooking soups, looking after the house, and gardening. In November 2023, Leat fell and dislocated her elbow. She traveled three hours to a clinic for surgery and treatment. Unfortunately, her arm did not heal so she traveled five and a half hours to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for consultation. It is difficult for her to use her arm and she is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at CSC can help. On March 7th, Leat will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will restore function in her arm. Leat shared, "I hope I can use my arm again so I can work, care for my children, and help support my family."

Saroth is a 42-year-old mechanic who lives in Kandal province with his wife and three children. His wife stays home to take care of the children - a 16-year-old daughter, an 11-year-old daughter, and a four-year-old son. All the children are active in the local school and keep their parents busy. When not taking care of his children, Saroth likes to play soccer with friends. In June 2022, while working on a roof, Saroth fell about three meters to the ground and fractured his left humerus in the middle of his upper arm. He visited a local hospital, where a metal plate was inserted to stabilize the bone. However, it is still hard for him to use his arm and he is unable to work so his family struggles financially. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 20th, Saroth will undergo a procedure to heal his arm, which will cost $304. This procedure will help him improve his range of motion to increase strength and completely heal. Saroth is hopeful he'll be able to find a better-paying job if he has full use of both arms. Saroth said: "After surgery, I hope I have no pain and can use my arm again to work hard to support my family."