46-year-old Rathana is a tuk-tuk driver from a rural province in Cambodia. He now works in the capital of Phnom Penh, where he rents a traditional house with his wife and their two sons, ages 4 and 9. His wife works in a garment factory, and his children attend a nearby school. On April 5th, Rathana fell off his motorbike and lost consciousness. He was taken to a hospital on the outskirts of town, where he paid the equivalent of two months' wages for pain medications and routine tests. One month later, he noticed weakness in his left arm and hand, but he delayed seeking treatment due to a lack of funds. When Rathana finally sought the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury to his left 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 the loss of function and sensation. Currently, Rathana is unable to use his left hand, and he cannot work. On July 20th, Rathana will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the only facility in Cambodia where this treatment is available. After recovery, he will be able to use his hand again, and to return to work. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Rathana hopes that he can go back to work to support his family and do his every day activities.

Benson is a 68-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a father to two children, sadly mentioning that three others have passed away. Benson worked in construction, but due to his age, he transitioned to farming. His wife contributes to farming as well. Recently Benson has experienced some health difficulties, and he said that his daughter's support has been crucial for him and his wife. For the past nine months, Benson has experienced swelling around his shoulder blade. The swelling also causes discomfort, numbness, and pins-and-needles sensations. He struggles to turn his head and experiences sleepless nights due to the pain and consistent headaches. After undergoing an examination, doctors discovered a mass in Benson's shoulder that is causing his symptoms. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Benson traveled to AMH's care center and will undergo surgery to remove a mass in his shoulder on July 11th. Now, Benson needs help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Benson says, “I hope to be relieved from all the pain I’ve had once I am operated on.”

Victoria is a 3-month-old baby from Bolivia. She lives with her mother in a neighborhood in La Paz. Her mother makes and sells handcrafted hats for a living. Victoria was born with a cardiac condition called Total anomalous pulmonary vein return. With this condition, the major blood vessels connect to Victoria's heart at abnormal locations, making it difficult for blood to flow through her lungs and leaving her weak and short of breath. Fortunately, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, can help Victoria receive the treatment she needs. On July 12th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which the doctors will disconnect the blood vessels and reattach them at the anatomically correct locations. Our medical partner is requesting $1,500 to fund VIctoria's surgery costs. Victoria's mother said, "I am very hopeful that my daughter will be able to breathe normally and gain weight after this surgery!"