Chanthorn is a 41-year-old chef from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his brother, who works as a chef for weddings. They support each other, earning money to care for their elderly mother, who is 76 years old. His father passed away 30 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In February 2015, Chanthorn sustained an electric shock injury to his left shoulder, causing severe damage to the shoulder joint. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury with screws, but later developed an infection that required removal of the hardware. He has experienced chronic pain and stiffness in his left shoulder for many years. The condition limits his shoulder movement and makes it difficult for him to use his arm comfortably during daily activities and while working as a chef. When Chanthorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his left shoulder joint and to help him to use his arm more comfortably and continue his daily activities and work more easily. Chanthorn is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $561 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I have lived with shoulder pain for many years. I hope this surgery will reduce my pain, help me use my arm more comfortably, and allow me to return to my daily activities without constant discomfort.”

Naw Ree is a 29-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother, husband, sister, and brother in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. She is a homemaker who also weaves traditional Karen clothes for sale. Her husband is not formerly employed, but looks after their vegetable garden, chickens, and two pigs. Her brother is a student, and her sister also weaves traditional Karen clothing. Together they earn 1,000 THB per month, which is often not enough to cover their daily expenses. The family receives free basic health care in the refugee camp provided by Malteser International (MI) Thailand. Naw Ree is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Naw Ree undergo a C-Section on May 14th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Ree needs your support. Naw Ree said, “I wish to work as a healthcare worker in the future. If given the opportunity, I will apply to study as a midwife or a nurse at the camp hospital when my child is older.”

Moo is a 40-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her two children and husband in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her family fled Burma because a military airstrike hit her village. Moo is a homemaker, while her husband is an agricultural day laborer. Her two children are students in the camp. During her free time, she enjoys playing with her children and knitting hammocks. Mooo is pregnant, and doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Moo undergo a C-Section on September 17th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Moo needs your support. Moo said, “I do not think that I will need to give birth through C-section. I was worried and could not sleep at night. Knowing that you will help cover the cost for me, I am relieved. Thank you so much for helping me and my family.”