Liza is a determined 18-year-old high school student from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal Province with her parents and two younger siblings. Her father works as a welder, and her mother stays at home to care for the family. She is the eldest child and is currently studying in Grade 11. Her younger sister is in Grade 9, and her younger brother is in Grade 6. She dreams of becoming a doctor one day and enjoys listening to music and reading books in her free time. Liza was born with severe spasticity affecting both her upper and lower limbs, causing abnormal muscle tightness and an abnormal gait. In November 2025, she received botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into her hamstrings and other spastic muscles in her lower limbs, which noticeably improved her walking for a period of time. However, about four months later, her condition gradually worsened again, and her right leg developed a contracture. This has made walking increasingly difficult and has limited her mobility and independence in daily activities. Although the previous treatment provided temporary improvement, the return of the contracture has once again made movement challenging and affected her confidence in walking. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Liza receive treatment. On May 22nd, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to release the tight muscle and improve the position and movement of her ankle. This treatment will help her walk more easily, improve balance and comfort, and allow her to move with greater confidence. Liza's family can contribute $75, but needs help in raising $497 more to fund her procedure and care. Liza said, “When my walking improved before, it gave me hope for the future. I pray this surgery will help me walk better again so I can continue my studies and move closer to my dream of becoming a doctor.”

Kiya is a five-year-old boy from Ethiopia. His parents both work as shop staff members. He is in kindergarten and has two older brothers. Kiya has dealt with chronic tonsillitis since he was one year old. Tonsillitis is a condition where the inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, causes a sore throat and painful swallowing. Recently, Kiya's tonsils have been enlarged, which will result in these symptoms persisting and potentially worsening over time if not treated. Kiya will undergo a tonsillectomy on April 25th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kiya of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund this procedure. Kiya's parents shared, "We hope he will finally be able to attend school and play with his brothers without pain. We know this surgery will give him the strong physical foundation he needs to grow."

Oun is A 77-year-old farmer from Cambodia. She previously planted corn and beans. She is divorced and has three daughters and seven grandchildren. She lives with her oldest daughter, who works as a construction laborer. In her free time, she enjoys going to the pagoda and joining religious ceremonies. Oun 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 Oun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 5th, 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. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure and care. Oun said, "I hope that after the eye surgery, my vision will improve so she can move around more easily, take care of my grandchildren, and help my daughter with housework. I also wish to be able to go to the pagoda and participate in ceremonies at places that are farther from my home."