Choeun is a 46-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. She lives in Takeo Province with her husband, who also works in construction. They have two children; a son who works as a taxi driver, and a daughter who is employed in a garment factory. She enjoys cooking for her family, and especially preparing meals for her elderly parents and husband. About a month ago, Choeun was in a road traffic accident and sustained severe soft tissue injury to her right leg. Although there was no fracture, the injured area got infected, leading to a serious wound condition diagnosed as gas gangrene. Choeun has been experiencing significant pain, swelling, and a foul-smelling discharge from the infected wound on her right leg. The condition has affected her mobility and prevented her from continuing her physically demanding construction work. When Choeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and half hours seeking treatment. On May 13th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to help remove infected and necrotic tissue, control the spread of infection, and promote wound healing to prevent further complications. Choeun and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $392 more to fund the procedure. Choeun says: “I hope that this treatment will heal my leg completely, so I can live without pain, and return to my normal daily activities. I wish to regain my strength and be able to care for my family without discomfort or worry.”

Paong is a 76-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is a widow and has three daughters and three grandchildren. Now, she lives with her second daughter, who plants potatoes. She likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About five months ago, Paong developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Paong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 28th, doctors will perform a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Paong said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I want to be able to walk around, recognize my relatives, and go to the pagoda."

Bisrat is a two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He has a wonderful mother who stays by his side to take care of him, and a hardworking father who works as a driver to support everyone. He also has three older sisters who love him very much. One year ago, Bisrat started to experience snoring, difficulty breathing, and loss of appetite. This ongoing sickness is deeply worrying for his parents. They are trying their best to manage a large household while giving their son the constant, day-and-night care he needs. Bisrat was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Because he is sick so often, Bisrat cannot run around, play, or grow the way a healthy two-year-old usually does. Instead of enjoying his childhood, he spends much of his time feeling unwell and in pain. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Bisrat, which is scheduled to take place on July 19th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Bisrat of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Bisrat's parents shared, "We hope to give our son the physical freedom to thrive, explore, and enjoy his early childhood with all the energy and life he deserves."