Rama is a 27-year-old day laborer from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Ratanakiri Province with his wife, who is also a day laborer. They have two children; a son in Grade 1 and a three-year-old child. In his free time, Rama enjoys caring for his children and growing vegetables around his home. Two years ago, Rama was involved in a motorcycle accident in Ratanakiri, which caused a fracture of his thighbone. Following the accident, he underwent surgery at a local hospital, where doctors fixed the fracture using a metal plate and screws. A year later, he developed a fistula and had one screw removed at Children's Surgical Centre. However, the remaining hardware has brought on persistent discharging sinus, along with pain and difficulty in walking. The symptoms have also made it difficult for him to continue working as a day laborer, impacting his ability to provide for his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 1st, Rama will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help the wound heal properly, relieve pain, and improve his ability to walk. This will allow him to return to work and care for his family more comfortably. Rama and his family are able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $303 more to fund the procedure. He said, “I am grateful to have this opportunity for treatment. I hope I can recover well, return to work, and spend time with my children without pain.”

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.”

Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."