Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Hoy is 37 years old and a rice farmer from Kandal Province, Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who is a rice farmer, and their son, who is a kindergarten student. In his free time, he helps his wife in the fields. On March 31st, 2026, Hoy sustained a right wrist fracture following a road traffic accident. He is in pain, with immediate swelling in the wrist, and is unable to bend or straighten it, which limits his ability to use his hand for daily activities and farm work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On April 2nd, Hoy will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help him regain wrist movement, reduce pain and swelling, and enable him to use his hand normally. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Hoy said, “After the surgery, I hope that my wrist pain will go away, the swelling will reduce, and I will be able to bend and straighten my wrist normally so I can use my hand again.”

Chantha is a 15-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with her parents, who work as rice farmers and factory workers. She is the eldest of two children and is in the ninth grade. She enjoys playing football with her friends, loves studying Khmer literature, and hopes to become a police officer in the future. When she was 6 years old, Chantha had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Chantha experiences right ear pain, repeated ear discharge, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and hearing loss. Her symptoms became much worse after water entered her ear during the Khmer New Year 2026. The chronic ear infection and hearing loss make it difficult for her to hear clearly in daily life and at school. The repeated pain and discharge also affect her comfort and confidence. Chantha traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 14th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $363 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chantha said, “I’m happy to finally have the opportunity for surgery. I hope my ear will heal well, my hearing will improve, and I can leave this problem behind and move forward with confidence.”