Samuel is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Medellín with his family. He is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His infectious energy and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who meets him. He enjoys spending time with those around him, learning new things, and dreaming big. When Samuel grows up, he’d like to become a professional soccer player or an industrial engineer specializing in vehicles, reflecting his passion for both sports and innovation and technology. When he was two years old, Samuel developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Samuel's parents took him to hospital where doctors recommended hernia repair surgery to treat his condition and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 27th, Samuel will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Samuel's procedure, which, once completed, will allow him to live a healthier life. Samuel says, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My parents have been trying for a long time to get this surgery through our health insurance provider, but it hasn’t been possible. Thanks to you, today there is hope and an opportunity to improve my health and quality of life. We will never forget this generous gesture. Thank you for your big hearts, for sharing with those of us who need it most, and for giving us back our hope for a better tomorrow."

Seang Hai is an 11-year-old monk from Cambodia. His father works as a construction worker, and his mother is a garment factory worker. He has an older brother, who is 17 years old, and a younger sister, who is 6 years old. Seang Hai is currently studying in Grade 4, where his favorite subject is mathematics. In his free time, he enjoys learning dharma. His favorite meal is fried pork, and he dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. When Seang Hai was around one year old, he was accidentally burned by hot water, which affected the 3rd and 4th fingers of his left hand and the 3rd finger of his right hand. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his fingers. As a result, he has difficulty grasping objects and experiences mild pain during hand movements, limiting his daily activities. When Seang Hai's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On April 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the contractures, improve movement and strength in his hands, reduce pain, and allow him to hold and use objects more easily in his daily life. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Seang Hai's mother shared, “I hope after the surgery, he will be able to use his hands freely again, without pain, and live a happier life.”

Srey Touch is a 50-year-old mother of four from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, who lives with her husband, a fish farmer. They have four children: two work in factories, one works in Korea, and another is a waitress. In her free time, Srey Touch enjoys chatting with friends in her village and spending time with her family. About three years ago, Srey Touch slipped and fell in her backyard, causing a fracture of her right kneecap. After the injury, she sought treatment from a traditional Khmer healer, but the condition did not fully recover. Although she was initially able to walk with only mild discomfort, her knee pain has gradually worsened over time. She now experiences increasing pain and difficulty walking, which affects her mobility and makes daily activities more challenging. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 2nd, Srey Touch will undergo a fracture repair procedure. Surgeons will perform a partial patellectomy or tension band wiring to repair the fractured kneecap and improve knee function. This procedure is expected to reduce pain, improve walking ability, and help her regain greater independence in her daily activities. She can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund her procedure and care. Srey Touch said, “I hope this surgery will relieve my knee pain and help me walk comfortably again so I can return to my normal daily activities.”