Sochan is a 41-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives just outside the capital of Phnom Penh with his wife, daughter, and son. His wife is also a rice farmer, and his daughter recently got a job in a garment factory. Their son is still in school and about to complete 9th grade. In his downtime, Sochan likes to go to the pagoda to pray. In October 2022, Sochan was walking down the street when he was hit in the back of the head by a robber and fell. His phone and cash were stolen. He sustained some injuries from the fall, including a clavicle fracture. His wife took him to a nearby provincial hospital where surgeons fixated hardware to heal the clavicle fracture. Sochan and his wife spent their savings to pay for the procedure. Now, the hardware is no longer serving a purpose and causes him Sochan pain and discomfort in his right shoulder and arm. He is unable to work and worries about the future of his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On June 7th, Sochan will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This procedure will improve his range of motion and eliminate pain. Sochan contributed $100 to his care. He shared, "I don't want to be in pain anymore, and I want to work to support my family."

Six-year-old Tay lives with her mother, sister, and brother in a village in Shan State in Burma. Tay's mother is a teacher. When Tay was three years old, she was frequently ill with a rapid heartbeat and fingertips that would turn blue. Her mother brought her to a nearby hospital, where the doctor told them that Tay had congenital heart disease and would need to be treated in Yangon. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tay's mother did not feel it was safe to take Tay to Yangon. When she turned five, Tay's symptoms worsened, and her mother brought her to a hospital in Yangon in August 2022. At the hospital, Tay was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, and her mother was told that Tay would require surgery- which the family could not afford to pay for. Fortunately, Tay's aunt referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, for help. Now Tay is scheduled to undergo atrial septal defect closure at Pun Hlaing Hospital on May 13th. As Tay is becoming progressively more ill- with episodes of rapid breathing and weight loss due to a lack of appetite- this procedure is critical for her health and well-being. Burma Children Medical Fund is seeking $1,500 to cover the cost of Tay's care. “When I learned that my daughter [Tay] needs surgery, I felt very sad and I cried because I cannot afford to pay for her surgery. But when I learned that the organization [BCMF] will support the cost of my daughter’s surgery, I felt very happy and thankful to all the donors and that organization. I want to see her healthy,” said Tay's mother.

Phoeun, who is 52 years old, is a widow, living on her own in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. All of her children are married, but they live close to her, and support her financially. In turn, she helps them with babysitting or cooking. In July, Phoeun was in a motorbike accident, and injured her left elbow. Because she could not afford care at the local hospital, she visited a Khmer traditional healer, who placed a bamboo splint on her upper arm. However, her fracture has not healed properly, and her elbow has become swollen and deformed. As a result of the swelling and pain, Phoeun is unable to use her hand. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 24th, Phoeun will undergo a procedure on her elbow, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, so that she will be able to use her arm again. Now she needs your help to raise the $485 to cover the costs of her procedure and care. Phoeun said: "After surgery, I hope that my hand can move, and I will have no pain or infection."