Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Serey is a three-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and three older siblings. His father works as a construction worker, and his mother works in a mango jam factory. His siblings are all students. In his free time, he enjoys playing with toy cars and eating all kinds of soup, especially lemongrass sour soup. Serey was born with syndactyly of both hands, meaning his 3rd and 4th fingers on both hands are fused. This makes it difficult for him to use his hands comfortably and affects his confidence around others. Fortunately, on April 23rd, our medical partner, the Children's Surgical Centre, will assist Serey in undergoing syndactyly repair surgery to separate and release the fused fingers. This procedure will cost $462, and Serey needs your support to fund the surgery. Serey's father said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to use his hands more freely and comfortably in his daily life. I also hope he will gain confidence, no longer feel shy about his appearance, and be able to interact and play happily with others like any other child.”

Edson is a 53-year-old man from Uganda. He and his wife are both small-scale farmers, and together they have six children, all school-going. Despite living on a limited and unpredictable income, Edson remains committed to providing for his family and ensuring that his children have the opportunity to attend school. However, Edson’s responsibilities extend far beyond his immediate family. He is currently responsible for a total of 17 people: his six children, his two elderly parents, and nine orphaned children whom he supports. This makes him the primary source of hope and survival for a remarkably large household. For about three years, Edson has lived with a mass behind his left knee, known as a left popliteal mass. The swelling has progressively increased in size and gradually interfered with his ability to perform his normal activities. For someone whose livelihood depends on physical labor, the condition has been especially challenging, as it has increasingly limited his ability to perform these duties. Edson has always trusted Rushoroza Hospital because of his previous knowledge of the quality of services provided there. When the swelling continued to increase and interfere with his daily activities, he decided to seek specialized medical attention. He travelled for approximately one hour to reach the hospital and spent about USD 4 on transportation. Upon arrival, Edson was assessed, and the findings revealed a lipoma requiring a major mass excision. The diagnosis gave Edson renewed hope. After struggling with the swelling for about three years, he finally has an opportunity to receive a lasting solution. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edson receive treatment. On September 1st, he will undergo mass excision surgery to relieve his discomfort, improve his mobility, and allow him to return to his farming activities. Now, Edson needs help to raise $261 to fund this procedure. Edson says, “I am responsible for 17 people, including my six children, my two elderly parents, and nine orphans. Today, I am the one who needs help, yet so many people depend on me. This swelling has taken away my ability to work and provide for them. I humbly appeal to the donors to help me receive this surgery. Your support will restore my health, my ability to work, and hope for the 17 people who depend on me. May God richly bless you for standing with me.”