Chen is a 29-year-old construction worker living with his grandmother and extended family in Kampong Chhnang province in Cambodia. Chen's two younger siblings are still in school, while his mother, who is divorced from their father, works in a factory in Thailand. A year ago, Chen was in a road traffic accident where he was hit by another motorbike. This resulted in an open fracture of his right leg. Chen was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery to stabilize his tibia and femur. The cost of his hospitalization was over $4,000 and Chen has run out of money and can no longer pay the hospital fees where he is being treated. His fractures have not healed, he is unable to walk without crutches, and he is in chronic pain. In addition, the nerves in his leg have been permanently damaged. He experiences a drop foot and a loss of sensation. The tibial external fixation site has become infected and Chen lives in great discomfort. Although the surgeons had hoped to save his leg, it was determined that he needs an amputation. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 16th, Chen will undergo an amputation at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to rid his leg of the chronic infection, reduce Chen's pain, and eventually improve his mobility with a prosthesis. Chen is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise $379 more to fund the procedure. After surgery, Chen hopes he will be able to walk easily again and return to work.

Meet Sithorn, a 14-year-old girl who lives with her parents and three siblings in Prey Veng province in Cambodia. Her father is a construction worker, while her mother works in a clothing factory. Her oldest brother is a waiter, while her younger siblings are in primary school. Sithorn dropped out of eighth grade at the start of the school year, due to back pain, which made it difficult for her to sit comfortably at her desk. She now stays at home to help her mother with cooking, cleaning the house, and taking care of her younger siblings. Several months ago, Sithorn's mother noticed an abnormal curvature of her daughter's spine, which was later diagnosed as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). This condition, which typically develops between the ages of ten and 18, causes Sithorn's spine to curve sideways in an "S" shape. Sithorn complains of back pain that extends to her neck, making it hard for her to sit for long periods. She also experiences fullness in her chest, and difficulty breathing, especially at night. Fortunately, our medical partner, the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On September 11th, surgeons will perform posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct the curvature of Sithorn's spine. Sithorn's mother can only afford $100 toward her daughter’s care and needs your help to raise the remaining $1,400 for the surgery, hospitalization, post-operative medication, and physiotherapy. This surgery will help alleviate Sithorn's pain, improve her posture, and enable her to return to school again. Sithorn shared, "I hope my surgery will be successful so I can return to school and focus on my studies."

Kyat is a 40-year-old man who lives with his wife and two children in a village in Karen State, Burma. His son and daughter are both students, and his wife is a teacher in a primary school. Kyat was a farmer, raising chickens and pigs, but he currently cannot work. His wife's salary is not enough to cover their basic needs. In his free time, Kyat likes to play games, listen to stories, and, before his injury, play football. On February 16, 2024, Kyat was offered a job climbing tamarind trees to collect fruit. He fell from the tree while picking the fruit, and his right leg was trapped in a hole. Kyat was unable to stand and was in severe pain. The next day, he was taken to a hospital where an x-ray confirmed Kyat had a right femur bone fracture and needed surgery. Because of the ongoing civil conflict and fighting in Burma, hospitals could not accommodate Kyat. He was asked to go to Thailand to see if he could get surgery there. As fighting continued and roads were flooded, Kyat was unable to travel to Thailand until August 2024, six months after his injury. During this time, he was unable to walk without a walker, was barely able to put any weight on his right leg, and was in a lot of pain. Once he reached Thailand, Kyat was admitted to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital, and scheduled for surgery. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Kyat will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bone and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for August 16th and will cost $1,500. This surgery will help Kyat to walk, free from pain. Kyat is asking for help to fund this medical treatment. Kyat said, “I was very disappointed when I could not walk or do anything for my family. I feel very sorry for my wife because she has her own work, too, and still has to look after me. After I receive the successful surgery, I will go back to work as a farmer and support my family."