Moo is a 58-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her two daughters in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand. They moved to Thailand because there was a military airstrike in her village in 2023. In late July, while Moo was collecting vegetables, she fell and broke her left wrist. Due to financial challenges, she did not go to the hospital right away. She cannot grab or squeeze things. She cannot cook or do her own laundry. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Moo will undergo surgery to reset her fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for October 2nd and will cost $1,500. This procedure will be able to help Moo be able to do her daily tasks again. Moo said, “Only my daughter works, and we depend on her. Her income is just enough to cover daily needs. We do not have extra money to save. When the accident happened, I decided not to get treatment at hospital because I think it will cost a lot and we do not have money. When I find out the cost of the treatment, I was shocked. I have never imaging having that much amount of money. I feel like I am a burden to my children and those who help me with the treatment cost. I asked not to get surgery, but the doctor told me that, if I do not do surgery, my hand cannot grab things. I still want to work and help around with the housework. Thank you so much for supporting with the treatment cost."

Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Chhoeung is an 80-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with children and grandchildren. He lives with his wife, and their cost of living is supported by their children. During his free time, he likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. About six months ago, Chhoeung developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Chhoeung learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Chhoeung has contributed towards his treatment, but still needs to raise an additional $213 for the procedure. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, so I can easily recognize my relatives, get around independently, and join ceremonies."