Pheareak is a 17-year-old from Cambodia who lives with his parents, older sister, and younger brother. His parents are rice farmers, and his older sister works as a seamstress in a clothes factory. Pheareak stopped studying after grade six to help his family in the ancestral rice paddies. His favorite activities include playing football and swimming with his friends as well as eating his mother's amazing fried chicken. Four months ago, Pheareak was in a motorbike collision on his way home. He sustained a blow to his right shoulder on the concrete road and was knocked unconscious. He was transported to a local hospital, where he received emergency care. As the doctors were unable to diagnose his shoulder injury, they suggested he visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for review. The doctors at CSC diagnosed his condition as a brachial plexus injury on his right 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. Pheareak cannot move his arm and experiences pain, numbness, and lack of muscle control. Pheareak traveled to CSC's care center to receive treatment, as this is the only center in the country where this treatment is available. On July 25th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to use his arm again. CSC is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Pheareak contributed $100 to his care. Pheareak said: "I hope this surgery will help me to use my arm again. I would like to work in a factory or on the farm to support my family."

George is a 60-year-old bus conductor who manages coaches along the Rukungiri-Kampala highway in Southwestern Uganda. He is married with three children. George was a grade three teacher before joining the transport business in hopes of better pay; however, he shared that his income is still insufficient to meet his family’s needs. George has had swelling behind his left knee for the past four years. The swelling has been growing over time and is causing him piercing pain and paralysis. Due to limited finances, he has not sought treatment before, but when his symptoms became severe, he visited our medical partner’s care center for review. After examination, George was diagnosed with a bakers cyst on his left leg. He needs to undergo mass removal surgery on May 26th to finally heal. George is raising $137 to fund this procedure. George shared, “I hope my leg will get fine. If I get support to undergo surgery, I will continue with work in good health.”

Samon is a 57-year-old grandfather who lives in Kandal province with his wife. They both work as rice farmers and spend their free time with their four children and their grandchildren. Samon also enjoys watching Cambodian news and boxing on TV. Around two months ago, Samon noticed a wound on his foot getting worse. He has tried traditional medicine, but the wound has not improved and he is in chronic pain. At the suggestion of a neighbor, he and his wife traveled 1.5 hours to reach our medical partner Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) for further care. Doctors at CSC diagnosed Samon with a diabetic ulcer. This is a common condition in patients with diabetes, with the ulcer usually on the bottom of the foot. Unfortunately, Samon's condition is quite serious with large areas of infected and dead tissue. The best option is to perform an amputation. Samon is scheduled for surgery on September 7th. He is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of the surgery. He and CSC need help raising $479 to fully fund the procedure to alleviate his pain. Samon shared, "I hope I can have surgery so that I can go home and not worry about the infection and pain getting worse."