Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes 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 June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Sim is a 76-year-old widow from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. She previously worked as a rice farmer and is now retired. She has four sons, four daughters, and twenty-two grandchildren. She lives alone in a house near her youngest daughter, who works in a garment factory. Her children provide support when needed. In her free time, Sim enjoys listening to the radio and listening to monks' prayers. Three years ago, Sim developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Sim learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Sim shared, "I hope that after cataract surgery, my vision will improve so that I can recognize her relatives easily, go outside and travel to more distant places independently, and no longer worry about my eyesight."

Mai is a 78-year-old widow from Cambodia. She has two children and lives with her eldest child, who is a rice farmer. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks praying. In April 2026, Mai accidentally fell from a chair and fractured the neck of her left femur, resulting in an intracapsular hip fracture. At first, she was still able to walk with support, but the pain gradually became worse over the following months. Since September, her condition has significantly deteriorated, leaving her unable to walk. She now relies on a wheelchair to move around. The ongoing pain and limited mobility have made even her everyday activities increasingly difficult, and she needs support with getting around. On November 3rd, Mai will receive a hip hemiarthroplasty with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). A hip hemi-arthroplasty is a partial hip replacement that involves replacing half of the hip joint. Hopefully, this procedure will help Mai move without discomfort. Mai's family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $612 more to fund her procedure and care. Mai's granddaughter said, “I hope my grandmother’s surgery goes well and helps her walk again. I want her to be free from the pain, move around more easily, and enjoy spending time with our family without being confined to a wheelchair.”