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.”

Asuora is an eight-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives with her parents and three siblings in Kampong Speu province. Her parents sell beef at the local market. Drawing class is her favorite subject and she wants to become a nurse when she grows up. When she is not in school, Asuora enjoys riding her bicycle with her friends and eating fried eggs. Five years ago, Asuora burned her fingers on her left hand with hot water. Burn scar contractures have now developed, tightening the skin around her burned fingers. It is difficult to grasp objects and write. Thankfully, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On April 25th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery so she can use her hand easily again. Asuora's family can contribute $100 but they need your help to raise $395 more to fund this procedure. Asuor'a father said, "I hope Asuora will have strong fingers after the operation and can use her hand in the future."

Sophal is a 59-year-old grandmother from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Speu province with her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Her son and his wife work as ice dealers, while Sophal stays home to care for her grandchildren. At home, Sophal enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio and visiting the local pagoda. Two years ago, Sophal was hit by a car in a road accident. She broke her left leg just below and above the knee, and her lower left arm near the wrist. She visited a local hospital for initial surgery and care but due to financial constraints, couldn't afford to complete it. She has been using crutches since her initial surgery and is not able to put weight on her left leg. It is difficult for her to walk, or make it up the stairs in their traditional Khmer stilted house. Sophal also has pain in her wrist and a loss of sensation in her fingers, which could indicate nerve compression. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 17th, Sophal will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help her walk and regain strength and mobility on her hand. Sophal and her family are able to contribute $87.50 but need help in raising $396 more to fund the procedure. Sophal shared, "I hope to walk again soon to care for my grandchildren and cook for them."