Chhorn is a 68 year old resident of Phnom Penh City. He shares his home with his wife, three daughters, and two sons. His youngest daughter is currently pursuing her studies at a local university while residing with them. At home, Chhorn finds enjoyment in watching boxing on TV and engaging in regular exercise. However, Chhorn has been facing persistent challenges over the past few years due to chronic ear infections - called otitis media - in his right ear. This condition has led to right ear tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, and severe pain. Unfortunately, these issues have escalated in recent months, affecting his hearing and making communication, especially at his workplace, increasingly difficult. Despite seeking medical treatment, the problem persists. He feels that there is hope on the horizon, though, as skilled ENT experts from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, are able to help him get well again. Chhorn is scheduled for a myringotomy ear surgery on December 13th. Myringotomy involves making a small opening in the eardrum to drain the fluid and relieve the pressure from the middle ear. Sometimes a small tube is placed in the opening of the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and to prevent fluid from accumulating. This procedure aims to address his ear issues and alleviate the associated symptoms, providing him with a renewed sense of well-being and improved communication abilities. Now, Chhorn needs your help with the cost of the $184 procedure. He shared: "I hope after surgery, I will have no more ear pain and can communicate better with my family and customers."

Brian is a teenager from Kenya. He is the third born in a family of seven children. He stopped going to school last year in March after he fell ill and currently stays at home mostly in pain. His mother is a subsistence farmer and his father works on construction sites to provide for the family. The family does not have a medical insurance coverage and cannot raise the required amount of money to pay for Brian's treatment. Brian has a painful swelling in a sensitive area which impacts his movement and his ability to engage in any physical activities. He has been to different hospitals without any improvement. Earlier this year, Brian was brought to BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital where he underwent tests and has been scheduled for an urgent surgery. Brian was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Brian has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and future fertility problems. Brian will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH) and is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 22nd. AMH is requesting $646 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Brian says, “I want the pain to go away so that I can go back to school.”

Ly is an 18-year-old student who lives with his extended family in a bustling wooden house, including his father, mother, grandparents, three brothers, and one sister. His father and older brother work in construction, his mother works in a clothing factory, and his other siblings attend school. Ly would like to enter the military someday, but right now is concentrating on his schoolwork. When not studying, Ly likes to play football with his friends and brothers. In December 2023, Ly was involved in a motorbike accident and attempted to break his fall with his right arm. Unfortunately, he broke his right wrist in the process. His parents took him to a military hospital, but they could not afford the care, so Ly received a bamboo splint from a Khmer Traditional Healer for his wrist. He suffers from pain, cannot sleep, and his hand is very swollen. A local non-profit clinic suggested he seek treatment at Children's Surgical Centre. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 2nd, Ly will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This surgery will use metal hardware to compress the fragments of his wrist and support optimal healing. Ly said: "Hopefully I'll be able to use my hand again soon, so I can finish school and help my family."