Francis is an eight-year-old student who lives in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is a bright, cheerful, and confident child who dreams of becoming a driver when he grows up. He enjoys playing football and is known for being very helpful at home. His parents are farm laborers who depend on casual work to support their family. Despite their hard work, they struggle to meet their daily needs and cannot afford the cost of the surgery their son requires. When Francis was about one year old, he began to experience on-and-off swelling in a sensitive area of his body. As he has gotten older, the swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain, especially after sleeping or playing. This has limited his ability to enjoy normal childhood activities. Francis attended our partner’s medical care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hydrocele. Francis needs surgery, or he will continue to experience painful symptoms. Fortunately, on November 2nd, Francis will undergo hydrocele repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $146 to fund his procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis’s mother shared, “Given a chance of support, I am sure my son will get operated on and will get better. My only challenge is finances, but I believe with your support, all will be well.”

Phally is 42 years old and a father of two from Cambodia. His wife is a garment factory worker, and their two children are currently in Grades 10 and 5. In his free time, he enjoys making toy cars for his children. He previously worked as a truck driver, but his health condition has forced him to stop working. Phally first began experiencing pain in both hips about six years ago and was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) in 2022. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is reduced, causing the bone tissue to become damaged. Over the past two years, his pain has become much worse. The condition has progressed particularly in his left hip, where the bone has collapsed. His left leg is now shorter than his right, making walking and moving around increasingly difficult. As the pain has worsened, Phally has become dependent on a walking frame for support and struggles with everyday activities. Phally was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On November 3rd, he will undergo a left total hip replacement (THR) to relieve his pain and improve his mobility. Phally and his family can contribute $100 and need support to cover the remaining $1,400. Phally said, “I hope the surgery will reduce my hip pain and help me walk normally again. I miss being able to work and take care of my daily activities without depending on others. My biggest wish is to regain my independence and return to driving a truck when I am able.”

Chheanly is a 29-year-old military service member from Cambodia. He recently got married and lives in Kampong Thom Province with his wife, who works as a farmer. He is the third child of five siblings, and his older siblings are married and live in nearby villages. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends, but he is no longer able to participate because of his injury. In July 2025, Chheanly was involved in a motorcycle accident while transporting food down a mountain, resulting in multiple injuries, including a right clavicle fracture and a severe right brachial plexus injury affecting his entire arm. Since the accident, he has developed a right flail arm with complete weakness, pain, and stiffness. He is unable to move his right shoulder, elbow, wrist, or fingers, leaving the arm nonfunctional. This condition has significantly impacted his daily life, preventing him from performing many activities independently, affecting his ability to continue his military duties, and limiting his participation in activities he previously enjoyed, such as playing volleyball with his friends. When Chheanly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On August 6th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his right shoulder joint and to help stabilize his shoulder joint, reduce pain, and improve the position and function of his arm. This procedure will also prepare his arm for future treatments aimed at improving movement and independence. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $511 more to fund his procedure and care. Chheanly said, “I hope this surgery will improve the stability of my shoulder, reduce my pain, and be the first step toward improving my arm function so I can become more independent and return to my daily life.”