Laysing is a two-year-old boy from Preah Sihanouk Province in Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his four-year-old sister. His father works for a private company, while his mother stays at home to care for the children. He enjoys playing with toys alongside his sister, and his favorite meal is soup, especially lemongrass sour soup. Laysing was born with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side. His parents first noticed the condition when he began walking. As he has grown, the scoliosis has caused him to tire easily when walking or playing. The condition makes everyday activities difficult and sometimes causes discomfort. Laysing's parents are concerned about his posture and possible complications in the future. Laysing's family heard about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and traveled four hours to attend a consultation. After extensive testing, doctors recommended that Laysing have spinal surgery. Without treatment, Laysing's symptoms will continue, and he will be at risk of future complications. On March 23rd, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal "growing rod" into Laysing's spine to help correct the curve and allow for further spine growth. CSC is requesting $1,500 to cover the costs of his surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. This treatment will help him stand taller, move more comfortably, and reduce fatigue. After recovery, he should be able to play, walk, and participate in daily activities more easily, improving both his quality of life and his confidence. Laysing's mother shares, “I pray that after the surgery, my child will feel stronger, stand taller, and live freely without discomfort, embracing a future full of hope and happiness.”

Franklin is a 13-year-old student from Haiti. He lives in a rural agricultural area with his parents, who are both farmers, and six older siblings. He enjoys going to school and playing soccer. Franklin has a heart condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves in his heart was severely damaged by an infection he suffered earlier in childhood, and now cannot adequately pump blood through his body. Franklin will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 23rd, he will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair his damaged valve; if they are unable to do so, they will remove it instead and implant an artificial replacement. While another charity, Mitral Foundation, is funding Franklin's surgery, his family will also need help with the costs associated with his surgical preparations. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It will also support securing travel documents for the family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Franklin's family overseas. Franklin's mother shared, "We are so thankful to everyone who is making this surgery possible for our son!"

Say is a 68-year-old woman from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. She used to work as a farmer, but she has now stopped due to her age. She is a widow; her husband passed away from malaria about 30 years ago. Say has three sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. She currently lives with her youngest daughter, who is a farmer and grows rice. In her free time, Say enjoys listening to the radio and hearing monks' prayers. About two years ago, Say developed a cataract in her left 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 Say learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Say said, "I hope that after my surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can recognize my relatives more easily, participate in ceremonies, and carry out my household chores more effectively."