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."

Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"

Siltan is a 4-year-old girl from Ethiopia. She loves to play with her mom and her dolls. Her parents are farmers and the income from their harvest is used to sustain the basic needs of the family. Siltan was born with an anorectal malformation, a condition where there is a complete or partial intestinal blockage causing bowel obstruction. Siltan is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Siltan's procedure and care. After her recovery, Siltan will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Siltan's dad said, “I have hopes that she will heal. I will educate her and help her to be a doctor.”