Punleu is a 17-year-old Grade 11 student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampot Province with his parents and younger brother, who is in Grade 8. His father works as a construction contractor, and his mother stays at home to manage household duties and take care of their orange farm. Punleu enjoys studying Khmer literature. In his free time, he likes listening to music and playing volleyball with his friends in the village. He hopes to become an agricultural specialist in the future. In December 2024, Punleu was in in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right lower leg. He was treated at a provincial hospital where he underwent ORIF surgery with plate and screw fixation of the leg. Since the surgery, he has been experiencing pain when walking long distances and stiffness in his right leg during cold weather, which affects his daily activities and mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 18th, Punleu will undergo a hardware removal procedure to reduce pain and stiffness and improve his walking ability and overall comfort. Punleu's family is contributing to his surgery, but they need to raise an additional $303 for the procedure. Punleu says, “After the surgery, I hope I will be able to walk better without pain, regain my strength and confidence, and return to my normal daily life, studies, and activities without any limitation.”

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.”

Fritz is a 30-year-old man from the Philippines. He is the only member of his family with a stable job, and his income covers their house rent and daily expenses. Once an avid basketball player, Fritz has had to give up the sport because of his condition and now spends his free time watching videos on his phone instead. Access to surgery would help him return to work without pain, support his family, and regain the active life he once enjoyed. For six years, Fritz has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His hernia has become increasingly painful, making it difficult to perform the physical demands of his work, raising fears that he could lose his livelihood if his condition remains untreated. Fortunately, our medical partner can help Frtiz receive the care he needs. On July 24th, Fritz will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Fritz's treatment. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Fritz said, "I hope this surgery will allow me to work without pain again and continue providing for my family. I also look forward to playing basketball again once I have fully recovered."