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.”

Oltumo is a nine-year-old boy from Tanzania and the third of five children. He is currently in first grade, and his parents are livestock keepers who depend entirely on their animals to support the family’s daily needs. Oltumo was born with clubfoot affecting his left foot. Since birth, the condition has made it difficult for him to walk comfortably, play with other children, and keep up with his classmates at school. As he grows, the condition continues to limit his mobility and independence. To correct the condition, Oltumo will undergo a series of corrective casts followed by an Achilles tendon lengthening procedure and the use of a night brace to maintain the correction. Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which the foot is twisted inward because the tendons and other soft tissues are tighter and shorter than normal. Without treatment, it can make walking painful and wearing shoes difficult. Fortunately, Oltumo's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, where his treatment will begin on June 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Oltumo's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Oltumo has a strong chance of walking confidently and gaining greater independence. Oltumo's father shared, "With the right treatment, Oltumo can take confident steps toward a brighter and more independent future where he can walk without complaining of pain."

Siya is a 35-year-old salon worker from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who works as an ice seller. They have two children; the eldest is in Grade 6, and the younger one is in Grade 1. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. Siya had a medical incident when she was three years old, leaving her with a muscle contracture and abnormal gait. She has difficulty walking as it causes her pain. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Siya receive treatment. On May 18th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to improve her walking ability, reduce pain and functional limitation, and help her regain a more comfortable gait and better quality of life. Siya can contribute $50, but needs help raising $522 more to fund her procedure and care. Siya said, “After the treatment, I hope that I will be able to walk normally again without pain or difficulty, and live my daily life with confidence without being teased by others.”