Theng is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who also works as a farmer. They have four children who work in garment factories and a company. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news and boxing programs on television. Since 2024, Theng has been experiencing pain in both hips, with the right hip more severely affected than the left. He was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition in which reduced blood supply causes damage to bone tissue. He initially tried traditional Khmer herbal medicine to relieve the pain, but his condition did not improve. The pain in his hips makes it difficult for him to walk normally, and he now walks with a limp. His condition also affects his ability to work in the rice fields and carry out his daily activities. Fortunately, Theng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). At CSC, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Theng of his pain and allow him to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for November 2nd. Theng can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,135 more to help fund his procedure and care. Theng said, “I hope that after surgery, my hip pain will improve and I can walk more comfortably. I want to return to my farming work, take care of my daily responsibilities, and live more independently without struggling with pain.”

Habtamu is an 11-year-old boy from Ethiopia who lives with his mother in the city and shares a close bond with his brother and sister. Habtamu experienced an accidental puncture wound to his left leg. Unfortunately, the injury never healed properly. For over a year, he dealt with continuous pain, daily swelling, and persistent fluid discharge from the wound. Because of the constant discomfort, he was forced to stop attending his fifth-grade classes. He is unable to run, play, or move around. Following a review at our medical partner's care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors recommended that Habtamu undergo a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on September 30th, Habtamu will undergo surgery that will help his leg heal, alleviate his symptoms, and prevent future health complications. He needs help raising $900 to fund his procedure and care. Habtamu's mother shared, "I hope to see him walking confidently, as seeing him suffer at his young age breaks my heart."

Phally is 42 years old and a father of two from Cambodia. His wife is a garment factory worker, and their two children are currently in Grades 10 and 5. In his free time, he enjoys making toy cars for his children. He previously worked as a truck driver, but his health condition has forced him to stop working. Phally first began experiencing pain in both hips about six years ago and was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) in 2022. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is reduced, causing the bone tissue to become damaged. Over the past two years, his pain has become much worse. The condition has progressed particularly in his left hip, where the bone has collapsed. His left leg is now shorter than his right, making walking and moving around increasingly difficult. As the pain has worsened, Phally has become dependent on a walking frame for support and struggles with everyday activities. Phally was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On November 3rd, he will undergo a left total hip replacement (THR) to relieve his pain and improve his mobility. Phally and his family can contribute $100 and need support to cover the remaining $1,400. Phally said, “I hope the surgery will reduce my hip pain and help me walk normally again. I miss being able to work and take care of my daily activities without depending on others. My biggest wish is to regain my independence and return to driving a truck when I am able.”