Nidhi is a 16-year-old girl from India. She lives in Mirzamurad, a village near Varanasi in northern India. She lives with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Her father works as a halwai, preparing traditional Indian sweets to support the family. Nidhi is currently in the 9th grade and loves dancing. When she was just 2½ years old, Nidhi accidentally fell into a container of hot sugar syrup being used to make gulab jamuns, a sweet dessert. She sustained severe burns to her right chest and arm. Although she received wound care at the time, her family was unable to access reconstructive surgery. As Nidhi grew, the burn scars tightened and developed into contractures, affecting her right breast and elbow. These scars have restricted movement and altered her appearance during adolescence, a time when many young people become increasingly aware of their bodies and self-image. Nidhi's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On June 19th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight burn scars on Nidhi’s right chest and elbow, improving both movement and comfort. The procedure is expected to increase the range of motion in her arm, making everyday activities such as dressing, writing, carrying schoolbooks, and participating in household tasks easier. The surgery will also address the contracture affecting her right breast, allowing for more normal development and reducing the physical discomfort and asymmetry caused by the scar tissue. By reducing the limitations caused by her burn scars, the surgery will allow Nidhi to participate more freely in school, social activities, and her favourite hobby, dancing. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Nidhi shared, "I hope this treatment will make everyday activities easier for me."

Dalen is 32 years old and a farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Preah Vihear province with his wife and their four-year-old son. His wife works at a garment factory and is currently the main provider for the family because he cannot work due to his injury. At home, his parents help support him and assist with tasks that he is unable to do on his own. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and playing volleyball, but he can no longer do these activities because of his condition. On March 5th, 2025, Dalen was involved in a motorbike accident with a hand tractor, which caused a closed fracture of his right leg. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plate fixation two days after the accident. Two weeks after the surgery, the surgical wound became infected, and he required a skin flap procedure to help treat and cover the infected area. About six to seven months ago, he started to experience persistent pain and abnormal movement in his leg. It is difficult for him to walk, and he now relies on crutches to keep his balance. Because of this, he cannot work and struggles with daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 6th, Dalen will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help stabilize his leg, relieve his pain, and allow him to walk more comfortably so that he can return to work and support his family again. His family can contribute $37.50, but needs help raising $563 to fund his procedure and care. Dalen said, “After the surgery, I hope this treatment will heal my leg, relieve the pain, and allow me to walk normally again so I can work and take care of my wife and son.”

Thou is a 57-year-old man from Cambodia. He is single and lives with his elderly mother and his brother, who is a rice farmer. He has six siblings, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. Although they live separately, the family remains close and supports one another when needed. Because of his medical condition, he has been unable to work for about six years, and he and his elderly mother depend on family support. Thou has had a persistent wound on his left foot since 2001 after his foot was cut by a small stone. The wound gradually worsened due to nerve damage from Hansen’s disease, leading to recurrent non-healing ulcers and infection. The condition has made it difficult for him to stand, walk, or work. It limits his mobility, prevents him from working, and affects his independence in daily life. His doctors recommend an amputation of his left foot to prevent symptoms from getting worse. On March 4th, Tnhou will undergo an amputation with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $488 to fund Thou's surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Thou said, “After the surgery, I hope this treatment will help my wound heal, reduce the pain, and allow me to walk more comfortably again.”