Heak is 60 years old and a hardworking rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her niece, who is a Grade 12 student. She is the seventh of ten siblings, all of whom are married. Her parents passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. Despite many hardships in life, she continues to support herself through rice farming. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and helping with household chores. In 2024, Heak was involved in an overturned car accident while traveling in Thailand, resulting in a severe fracture of her left femur near the knee. Although she underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, the bone failed to heal properly and developed into a nonunion, causing ongoing pain in her left knee and leg. Heak experiences persistent pain and stiffness in her left knee, making it difficult to walk without support. The condition limits her independence, affects her ability to work in the rice fields, and makes everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, Heak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Heak of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for June 1st. Heak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,213 more for her procedure and care. Heak said, “I hope this treatment will help me walk without support again and live without pain. Being able to move independently would mean so much to me and allow me to return to my normal life.”

U Than is a 60-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his daughter, son in-law and his three grandchildren. Two of his grandchildren go to school while the youngest is still at home. His daughter works to maintain their home and her husband works in agriculture. Toward the end of September, 2026, U Than began to experience lower abdominal pain and constipation. He tried medications from the pharmacy with little relief. On October 1st, 2026, he went to a clinic where he received medication that alleviated his symptoms temporarily. However, on October 20th, 2026, his symptoms returned. A care provider completed an ultrasound and suspected a bowel obstruction, so U Than was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital (MSH), for further evaluation. At MSH, a CT scan was completed, which revealed a mass in his colon that his doctor suspected was caused by colon or cecal cancer. The doctor recommended surgery to remove the mass and potentially the colon. Currently, U Than is experiencing severe pain which is preventing him from sitting, walking, or sleeping. U Than has sought support for his treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. He is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on October 28th and is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. U Than's daughter said, "I worry about where to look for money for my father's treatment. I cannot sleep due to this stress, and my father also cannot sleep due to his pain. We feel sad that we do not know where to look for money to borrow. Thank you for your support."

Vorleak is an 18-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in Preah Vihear Province with her parents, who work as rice farmers. She is the eldest of three siblings and is preparing to attend university soon. Her younger brother is in Grade 7, and her younger sister is in Grade 5. She enjoys reading books and listening to music. Two months ago, Vorleak was involved in a road traffic accident that resulted in a severe injury to the nerves of her right arm, causing weakness and loss of function. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She is unable to use her right arm and hand normally due to weakness and paralysis affecting her shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers. The condition has significantly limited her ability to perform daily activities independently and has prevented her from attending university. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Vorleak traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On June 11th, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she will regain independence in daily activities and increase her ability to pursue her education and future goals. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help to raise $712 to fund her procedure and care. Vorleak said, “I hope that after the surgery, my right arm and hand function will improve, allowing me to carry out daily activities independently and prepare for university.”