Somean is a 12-year-old 6th grader who lives in rural Kampong Chnang province with her parents and three siblings. Her parents earn a small living as rice farmers. In school, Somean loves Khmer and English class, and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. At home, she likes playing with her siblings and reading books. Since she was 6 years old, Somean has experienced a sore throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and a hard time sleeping. Frequent illness causes her to miss school. Somean was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Somean, which is scheduled to take place on February 8th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Somean of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Her mom shared, "I hope she can feel better after surgery so her life will be easier for going to school, eating, and sleeping."

Thida is a 43-year-old tailor who resides in Tbong Kmoum province, approximately four hours away from the capital city of Phnom Penh, along with her husband and two daughters. Her husband works as a tailor, while her daughters pursue their education. To support their diet, she cultivates vegetables on their modest plot of land, providing nourishing food for her family. Twenty-eight years ago, Thida had an ear infection. This infection caused the ear drum in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Thida still experiences frequent fevers, infections, ear discharge and hearing loss. Despite having undergone surgery in the past, she has had a persistent return of symptoms. These health issues affect her ability to work regularly, or communicate effectively with others, causing embarrassment when she struggles to comprehend her family or colleagues. Thida traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 2nd, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation in her ear drum. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Thida said: "I hope after surgery, I will stop having the ear infections and can have easy communication with others."

Mavin is a seven-year-old first grader. His family currently lives in Tbong Khmum province, where both of his parents work in the rubber industry. He also has a two-year-old younger brother. At school, Mavin enjoys studying Khmer subjects, painting, and playing with toy cars. He wants to become a soldier when he grows up. About four years ago, Mavin had a severe ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in both ears to perforate. His mother took him to the local pediatric hospital, and they suggested Mavin needed a specialty surgeon. He has trouble communicating with others, is embarrassed about the ear discharge, and often misses school. Mavin's family has now traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 4th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in both ears. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforations. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $914 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Mavin's mother said: "I hope my son gets better and has no more infections, and will do well in school."