Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Vitari is a 33-year-old mother of two from Uganda. She runs a small food business while her husband works as a carpenter, and together they work hard to provide for their family. She also helps support her wider family of nine siblings, adding to the responsibilities she carries. Vitari is currently expecting her third child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via caesarean section due to a high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Fortunately, on September 8th, Vitari will undergo a C-section with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She is raising $214 to fund the surgery, which will ensure the safety of both mother and child. Vitari says, "I am a mother, a wife, and a woman who works hard to support my children and other members of my family. If I receive this support and successfully recover, I will return to my small business with renewed strength, hope, and gratitude. I will continue working hard to care for my children and support my family. I sincerely thank you for considering my plea and standing with mothers like me who have nowhere else to turn."

Sivchov is an 11-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Siem Reap Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is in the seventh grade and is the third child of four siblings. His older brother works as a construction worker, his sister is in Grade 9, and his youngest brother is in Grade 2. He enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. His favorite subject is mathematics, and he hopes to become a teacher when he grows up. Sivchov was born with a left arm weakness caused by a difficult delivery, which damaged the nerves controlling the movement of his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. The injury causes weakness and limited movement of his left arm. He has difficulty lifting and controlling his arm, using his hand, extending his fingers, writing, carrying objects, and performing daily activities independently. Sivchov traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On July 20th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery, which will improve the movement and function of his left arm. It will help him use his arm more effectively for daily activities, improve his ability to hold objects, and allow him to become more independent. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $737 to fund this procedure. Sivchov's mother said, “I hope this surgery will give my son a better chance to use his left arm. I want him to study, play, and grow up with confidence like other children.”