Sopheakdey is a 42 year old tuk-tuk driver, living with his wife and two children in Kandal province, Cambodia. Sopheakdey's wife works in a clothes factory, while Sopheakdey stays at home with their five year old daughter, since his condition prevents him from being able to work. For the past four years, Sopheakdey has been suffering from chronic back pain. While he has no history of trauma, it is difficult for him to bend, twist, or stoop down; any work or activity causes pain. His legs feel weak and clumsy, so he stays home. Because he cannot work, he worries about being able to feed his family. Fortunately, a relative told him about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Surgeons have diagnosed him with spondylolysis, a weakness or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae, the small bones that make up the spinal column. This weakness can occur with no known injury. The most common cause in adults is degenerative arthritis. On August 3rd, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre plan to do a posterolateral lumbar fusion, to stabilize his spine and decrease his pain. Now, Sopheakdey needs your help to defray the cost of the $1500 operation. The money he receives will cover surgery, medication, and post-operative care. Sopheakdey said: "I hope that my pain will be less after surgery, and I can go back to work to help my wife and children."

Emmanuel is a 32-year-old small-scale farmer. He has been married for four years and works alongside his wife as a farmer. He and his wife hope to one day raise children together. For the past year, Emmanual has experienced swelling and discomfort in a sensitive area that has impacted both his ability to work and his personal life. Due to his condition, Emmanual can't work on the farm and has a difficult time supporting his family. After seeking medical care, Emmanual was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On June 6th, Emmanual will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $230 to fund Emmanuel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Emmanuel says, “I am afraid that this condition might be the one affecting my fertility and I hope for the best results once am operated on with your support. I will also be able to get back to resuming farming.”

Oeng is a 73-year-old grandfather and retired fisherman from Pursat province, Cambodia. He is married and has one son, four daughters, and two grandchildren. He and his wife live with his oldest son, a fish seller at a local market. At home, he likes to listen to the news on his phone and play with his grandchildren. About four years ago, Oeng developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He finds it difficult to take walks outside so often stays alone in the house. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Oeng learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for 6.5 hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Oeng is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to raise the remaining $253 to fully fund the procedure. Oeng shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I want to grow some vegetables around my house for our meals and take walks outside again with my wife."