Phalen is a happy 9-year-old 3rd grader who lives with his parents and 3 brothers. His mom stays at home to care for the children, and his father is a police officer. Phalen loves math and basketball. At home, he enjoys playing with his brothers and eating Cambodian fish soup. In the future, he would like to be a police officer, just like his dad. Since the age of three, Phalen has been experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing that has become worse over the last month. Frequent illness has caused him to miss school, and he is not eating as much as he used to due to discomfort. Phalen was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) will help by performing a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Phalen, which is scheduled to take place on July 17th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Phalen of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Phalen's parents are able to contribute $100, and they need help with $265 to fully fund the procedure. He shared, "I hope I can go back to school soon and feel better. I also want to sleep well at night."

Saroem is a 36-year-old construction worker and mother of two from Cambodia. She lives in Kampot province with her husband and two children, ages 8 and 13. Both Saroem and her husband work for a local construction company. They work long hours while their kids go to school and are looked after by friends and relatives. In her free time, Saron loves making sweets for her kids. Six years ago, Saroem had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in both ears to perforate. Now, Saroem experiences pain, tinnitus, ear discharge, and hearing loss. She cannot communicate clearly with others, and she frequently misses work. Saroem has tried various medications but hasn't seen any significant change. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. Saroem traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment, and on June 7th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in both ears. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforations that cause her symptoms. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $914 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for Saroem. Saroem shared, "I want this to be fixed because I am always feeling scared that I will feel worse and lose my hearing. When I am better, I can go to work every day and not be afraid."

Rathana is a 40-year-old tailor who lives in Kandal province with her husband, who is a security guard. She is proud of the dresses that she sews from home and sells to local shops. When not working, she loves to try different food recipes for her husband. Three years ago, Rathana had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. Because of this, Rathana experiences chronic pain, ear discharge, and hearing loss. She frequently spends money at the pharmacy for medications that do not work long-term. She is worried that her hearing loss will be permanent. It is difficult for her to communicate clearly with others, and she shared that she feels embarrassed that she does not understand when villagers or family talk to her. Rathana traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 5th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation, grafting a patch over the hole. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure and Rathana is able to contribute $100. This covers the surgery, medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Rathana said: "I hope that my ear will stop being painful, my hearing will improve, and I will have no more headaches."