Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Bora is a 41-year-old electrician from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He is married and has one son and one daughter. He lives with his wife, who is a grocery seller, while his children are students. In his free time, Bora enjoys exercising with his children. About two months ago, Bora developed a chalazion in his left eye, causing him burning, itchiness, irritation, and eye redness. A chalazion is an inflamed cyst in a patient's tear gland. It is difficult for him to see clearly and work. Bora traveled for three hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On June 4th, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Bora's symptoms should improve. Bora can contribute $25, but needs help raising an additional $238 to fund his procedure. Bora said, "I hope after surgery my eye lid no more cyst, and I won’t worry about it anymore. I want to go back to work well."

Vichet is an 18-year-old university student from Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. He is currently living in Phnom Penh for the first year of his studies. His parents work as grocery sellers back home and take care of his younger sister. Vichet is the middle child of three siblings. His older brother is also a university student in his second year, and his younger sister is in first grade. Vichet enjoys playing volleyball with friends and listening to music in his free time. In 2024, Vichet was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his right femur. Following the accident in February 2024, he underwent surgery at a private clinic in Kampong Speu, where a nail was inserted into his right femur to stabilize the fracture. Vichet is currently experiencing persistent pain and stiffness in his right thigh, especially during walking and prolonged physical activity, from the hardware. This limits his mobility, reduces his comfort in daily life, and affects his ability to participate fully in university and sports activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On May 13th, Vichet will undergo a hardware removal procedure. CSC is requesting $278 to cover the cost of Vichet's care. Removal of the hardware is expected to reduce his pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and allow him to return to normal walking and daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. Vichet said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my leg, so I can walk comfortably again and return to my normal daily activities.”