Vichet is an 18-year-old university student from Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. He is currently living in Phnom Penh for the first year of his studies. His parents work as grocery sellers back home and take care of his younger sister. Vichet is the middle child of three siblings. His older brother is also a university student in his second year, and his younger sister is in first grade. Vichet enjoys playing volleyball with friends and listening to music in his free time. In 2024, Vichet was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his right femur. Following the accident in February 2024, he underwent surgery at a private clinic in Kampong Speu, where a nail was inserted into his right femur to stabilize the fracture. Vichet is currently experiencing persistent pain and stiffness in his right thigh, especially during walking and prolonged physical activity, from the hardware. This limits his mobility, reduces his comfort in daily life, and affects his ability to participate fully in university and sports activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On May 13th, Vichet will undergo a hardware removal procedure. CSC is requesting $278 to cover the cost of Vichet's care. Removal of the hardware is expected to reduce his pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and allow him to return to normal walking and daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. Vichet said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my leg, so I can walk comfortably again and return to my normal daily activities.”

Thiago is a three-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his parents, who both work in agriculture, and his two older siblings. Thiago's story of being diagnosed with a heart problem is unique. He accompanied his parents in a protest march against a law that threatened their community, walking for 28 days from the Bolivian Amazon to the city of La Paz. When they finally arrived, the high altitude of the city affected Thiago's breathing, causing the family to seek medical care. Doctors then discovered that Thiago has Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Thiago does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 26th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Thiago's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Thiago's father shares, "We are so happy that our son's surgery has been scheduled for this week, and we hope for the best."

Reaksmey is a determined 16-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie Province with his parents and older brother. His father and brother work as construction workers, while his mother manages the household. Due to financial difficulties, he had to leave school after Grade 9. He enjoys playing football with his friends and loves eating vegetable soup. Three months ago, Reaksmey was involved in a traffic accident that caused a displaced fracture of the mid-shaft of his left femur. Following the injury, his family sought treatment from a traditional healer, but his condition did not improve. During his recovery, he also suffered another fall, which worsened his injury. After remaining unable to stand or walk for several months, his parents took him to a private clinic, where X-rays confirmed a severe fracture of his left femur. He experiences persistent pain in his left thigh and has difficulty moving his leg. He is unable to stand or walk without assistance, and his left leg has become shorter than the right. Because of prolonged immobility, the muscles in his left thigh have become weak and wasted, significantly affecting his mobility and daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 1st, Reaksmey will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure will help reduce pain, improve leg alignment and strength, and allow him to stand and walk more comfortably again. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Reaksmey's mother said, “We hope this treatment will help our son walk normally again and live without pain. Seeing him unable to stand or walk has been very difficult, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help him recover.”