Seav is six years old and a second-grade student from Cambodia. She is the middle child of three siblings and lives with her parents, who are rice farmers in Prey Veng Province. Her older brother is in Grade 8, while her younger sister is three years old. She enjoys reading and writing Khmer and likes playing with toys with her cousins and sister. Her favorite foods are caramelized pork and eggs. When she was nine months old, Seav suffered a hot-water burn to her right hand. After the burn healed, scar tissue gradually formed and caused contractures in her right middle and ring fingers, along with a shortened web space. The tight scars restrict movement in her right middle and ring fingers and make it difficult for her to use her right hand for writing. This can make schoolwork and other activities that require hand movement more challenging. When Seav's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 23rd, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve movement in her right hand, making it easier for her to write and use her hand during school and daily activities. Now, she needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Seav's mother said, “Her hand has been tight since she was very young, and now it is making writing more difficult for her at school. I hope the surgery will help her move her fingers more freely so she can write, learn, and use her hand with greater ease.”

Ryan is a hardworking father from the Philippines. He is the family's only regular income earner, supporting his children who are currently studying while covering most of their daily needs and household expenses. His wife stays at home to care for their children and occasionally takes on small jobs when opportunities arise to supplement the family's income. Ryan enjoys playing basketball, a sport he has loved for many years, and still plays with his co-workers whenever they have free time as a way to stay active and unwind. Two years ago, Ryan began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain. Ryan was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Ryan is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 19th. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Ryan's surgery and care. "Thank you very much for helping me and other people who need surgery. The assistance you provide is a great help because we cannot afford the high cost of the operation. We are truly grateful that you are helping many people who are in need," says Ryan.

Abubeker is a 10-year-old student from Ethiopia. He is the 3rd grade, and is the oldest of three brothers. His father father works as a retailer, while his mother is a home maker. Since he was about four years old, Abubeker has been experiencing chronic tonsil problems. The condition has caused heavy snoring and severe sleep challenges that impact his rest at night. Abubeker has also missed school frequently due to sickness, which is hurting his school work and focus in class. Abubeker was reviewed at Saglan Wajee General Hospital, and was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Abubeker's family is seeking to raise $700 to fund a tonsillectomy, which is scheduled to take place on September 20th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Abubeker of his symptoms, and helping him live more comfortably. His mother says, "Carrying the weight of a child's ill health and sleepless nights is heavy, yet our one hope is to watch him heal and see his joyful spirit return."