Vichet is an 18-year-old university student from Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. He is currently living in Phnom Penh for the first year of his studies. His parents work as grocery sellers back home and take care of his younger sister. Vichet is the middle child of three siblings. His older brother is also a university student in his second year, and his younger sister is in first grade. Vichet enjoys playing volleyball with friends and listening to music in his free time. In 2024, Vichet was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his right femur. Following the accident in February 2024, he underwent surgery at a private clinic in Kampong Speu, where a nail was inserted into his right femur to stabilize the fracture. Vichet is currently experiencing persistent pain and stiffness in his right thigh, especially during walking and prolonged physical activity, from the hardware. This limits his mobility, reduces his comfort in daily life, and affects his ability to participate fully in university and sports activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On May 13th, Vichet will undergo a hardware removal procedure. CSC is requesting $278 to cover the cost of Vichet's care. Removal of the hardware is expected to reduce his pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and allow him to return to normal walking and daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. Vichet said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my leg, so I can walk comfortably again and return to my normal daily activities.”

Aye Aye is a 36-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her family moved to the camp in 2024 due to the conflict in her village in Karen State, Burma. She and her husband are teachers at the same school, earning a modest monthly income. The family’s combined income is enough to cover their daily expenses, and they receive basic health care at the hospital in the camp for free, but they cannot afford expensive treatment costs for advanced procedures. Aye Aye also periodically supports her mother, who remains in Burma, with financial assistance. During her free time, she loves to listen to gospel music while planning her teaching lessons, and enjoys going to church on Saturdays. Aye Aye is currently expecting her first child, and her baby is in a breech position. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child during delivery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, has scheduled Aye Aye for a C-Section on August 13th at their care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. The procedure will cost $1500. Aye Aye said, “When I heard that I need to give birth through a C-section, I became so worried, and my husband is running around to ask for help as we both cannot afford this high cost. However, when the medic later informed us that there is an organization and they will find donors to help us with the delivery cost, we both felt so happy that we don't know how to explain how we feel. Thank you for helping me as a refugee. We can’t imagine how life would go without your support. Thank you very much, and I pray that you will be blessed, wealthy, and healthy in your life for your kind support.”

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.”