Vuthy is a 21-year-old day laborer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents, who work as day laborers. He is the fourth of five siblings. His three older siblings are married, and his youngest sister is in Grade 12. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends in the village. About six months ago, Vuthy was involved in a motor vehicle accident that fractured his left upper arm. He underwent surgery at a private clinic, but the bone became infected and did not heal properly, resulting in a chronic wound and a radial nerve injury. He experiences persistent pain, stiffness, and pus discharge from the wound on his left upper arm. The radial nerve injury also prevents him from lifting his wrist or straightening his fingers, making it difficult to use his left hand for work and daily activities. When Vuthy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 4th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the damaged and infected tissue from his left upper arm, helping control the infection and promote wound healing. This is an important first step before further reconstructive procedures to restore the function of his arm and hand. Vuthy's family can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $367 more to fund his procedure and care. Vuthy said, “I hope this surgery will remove the infection, heal my arm, and help me regain the use of my hand so I can return to my normal life and become independent again.”

Jimmy is a resilient husband from the Philippines. His children already have families of their own, and he does not rely on them financially. Instead, Jimmy and his wife depend mainly on his pension to meet their daily needs. He once worked abroad to sustain his family. However, due to physical pain and the effects of aging, he now hopes to undergo surgery so he can recover and return to work without worry. Four years ago, Jimmy developed an umbilical hernia. This hernia causes him pain on his side and after eating. It also gives him so much discomfort that he prefers not to move at times. Before his illness, Jimmy stayed active by playing basketball, but today he spends most of his time at home with his wife. His family encourages him to have the operation, so he no longer has to suffer. Fortunately, on April 17th, Jimmy will undergo a 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 Jimmy's treatment. Our medical partner is requesting the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "I am very grateful for this surgery. I know that my discomfort will go away after the operation. I am quite optimistic about moving normally again," says Jimmy.

Som is a 58-year-old homemaker from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Thom Province with her husband and her second child, who is a rice farmer. She has four married children who live nearby with their own families. She enjoys going to the pagoda and listening to monks pray in her free time. About two months ago, Som noticed a lump on the left side of her neck. Although it was not painful, it gradually became more noticeable and caused a feeling of fullness, especially when swallowing. Som visited our medical partner's care center, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where she was diagnosed with a left cystic thyroid goiter. The lump causes discomfort and tightness in her neck when swallowing, making her anxious about her health and concerned that it may continue to grow. On July 15th, surgeons will remove the mass. Som's family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $244 more to fund her procedure and care. Som said, “I have been worried since I noticed the lump on my neck. I hope after the surgery, I will feel comfortable again and no longer be concerned every time I swallow.”