Maly is a 56-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her elderly mother, and grows rice for a living. In her free time, Maly enjoys planting vegetables around her home. About six years ago, Maly was involved in a motorcycle accident, causing a severe injury to her right leg. She underwent several procedures, but currently her right ankle remains fused in an equinus position, causing pain in her right toes, and making it difficult to put weight on her foot. She currently walks in crutches, and has difficulty moving around independently. When Maly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for 4 hours seeking treatment. On September 8th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to improve the position and stability of her foot, reduce pain, and help her walk more comfortably. Maly is able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help raising $536 more to fund the procedure. She says, “I hope this surgery will reduce the pain in my right foot and help me walk more comfortably, without depending so much on crutches. I wish to be able to move around more independently, and return to my daily activities.”

Ly Huor is an 18-month-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Speu Province with his twin brother and his aunt, who is a rice farmer. His parents work in garment factories in the city. He enjoys playing with toys alongside his brother. During Khmer New Year 2026, Ly Huor accidentally spilled hot water on his right hand, causing burns to his third and fourth fingers. The burns healed with scar contractures, limiting the movement of his fingers and making it difficult for him to grasp and hold objects. His family is worried that the condition could affect his hand development and make it difficult for him to hold a pencil when he starts school. When Ly Huor's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 15th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve the movement of his fingers, helping him develop normal hand function so he can grasp objects, play, and learn more easily as he grows. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Ly Huor's mother said, “It has been hard to see my son struggle to use his hand. I hope this surgery will improve his finger movement so he can grow, learn, and enjoy childhood like other children.”

Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.