Ar is a 13-year-old Burmese student in Thailand. He has been living in a dormitory for a year now as his mother moved to Bangkok in search of a better job. Ar's mother borrowed money to pay for the tuition for the school and the dormitory so Ar can continue to attend the fifth grade. He gets food from the school and occasionally gets some pocket money from his cousins. In 2021, when Ar was still living with his family in Karen State, Burma, his leg started to swell. Because it was not causing him any pain his father did not take him to see a doctor. Since then, his leg stayed swollen and would swell up a bit more. However, in March 2024, it started to cause him pain. Ar can no longer play football with his friends because his leg hurts. It is also difficult for him to walk. Ar asked his mother to send some money so he could go to a clinic to see a doctor. Doctors want Ar to undergo an MRI, an imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of bodily organs. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $814 to cover the cost of Ar's MRI and care, scheduled for June 10th. Ar said: “I just want to walk again and play with my friends. I do not want to be a burden to my mother by asking for more money.”

Khoeun is a 32-year-old truck driver from Cambodia. He lives with his uncle in Phnom Penh, where he moved to last year to find more job opportunities. He has a wife and one-year-old daughter who live in Prey Veng province, about two hours from Phnom Penh. He currently works long days as a truck driver, and visits his family often. During his free time, enjoys listening to music and spending time with his daughter. About 20 years ago, Khoeun had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Khoeun has been experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, ear discharge, and frequent headaches. It has become increasingly difficult for him to communicate with people, including his employer, colleagues, and even when he is away on the road. Our partner Children's Surgical Center is helping Khoeun receive treatment. On June 17th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his right ear to remove the cholesteatoma. Khoeun is able to contribute $200 towards the procedure, and needs help raising $726 more to cover the full treatment, including medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Khoeun says: "I hope my hearing can be improved, so I can stop worrying about my ear and be able to do my job easily to support my family."

51-year-old Sideth lives in Svay Rieng Province in Cambodia - near the Vietnam border - with his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. His son-in-law and daughter help support the family by working as rice farmers. In 2021, Sideth fell from a palm tree while collecting palm juice, resulting in severe injuries to his right leg and spine. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors performed surgery on his right ankle, and treated his spinal fracture. Unfortunately, Sideth now suffers from a chronic ulcer wound on his ankle, and experiences fevers related to the infected tissue. In addition, Sideth now walks with crutches, has lost sensation in part of his foot, and experiences chronic pain in his leg. Although surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), hoped to save his leg, it was determined that an amputation below the knee is necessary, due to the chronic wound and large area of dead tissue. On August 29th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform an amputation, along with lymph node excision on the right side of Sideth's groin. These procedures will help relieve Sideth's pain once he fully recovers, and prevent future complications and infection. Sideth and his family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $379 more to fund the procedure. Sideth says, "I hope to have surgery soon so that I can be free of pain, and not have to worry about my wound getting worse in the future."