Sambo is a 63-year-old rice farmer who lives in Prey Veng province with his wife, who is also a rice farmer. In his free time, Sambo enjoys going to the pagoda to pray, and studying Buddhist books. In 2002, Sambo suffered a bad insect bite on his right ankle that caused severe swelling. After some weeks with no improvement, he underwent a drainage procedure at a local hospital. Unfortunately, the wound never healed properly, and continued to cause pain. In 2010, Sambo visited Children's Surgical Centre, at which time the doctors recommended a biopsy. Sambo became too nervous to undergo the procedure and went back home. Now thirteen years later, he has returned as the wound area has gotten worse over time. Sambo has now been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer which can form around chronic skin injuries. He experiences itchiness, pain, and difficulty bearing weight on his right ankle. If left untreated, the carcinoma may grow and cause further complications. Sambo traveled three and a half hours seeking treatment at Children's Surgical Centre. On October 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform an excision and skin flap procedure to remove the cancerous tissue and help him feel comfortable again. Now, he needs help to fund this $673 procedure. Sambo shared, "I hope I can finally stop this problem and go back to work on the rice farm."

Sophanna is a 36-year-old garment factory worker. She lives in Kampot province with her husband and two children. Due to a chronic medical condition, her husband has not been able to work the past couple of years. Because of this, Sophanna and her 16-year-old daughter are the breadwinners in their family. When not at work, Sophanna enjoys spending time with her kids and cooking. Ten years ago, Sophanna had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Sophanna experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. It is difficult for her to hear at work and at home Sophanna traveled to our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) to receive treatment. On June 27th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her right ear, where ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Her family is able to contribute $100 to the surgery, and she needs only $926 to fully fund the procedure. Sophanna shared that she wants to stop feeling unwell and improve her hearing so that she can enjoy her time at home with her family.

Sospeter is a toddler from Kenya. He is the youngest in a family of three children. He is being raised by a single mother who is the breadwinner. His mother makes and sells readymade food at construction sites. Income from this venture is inconsistent and their family does not have medical coverage. In December 2022, Sospeter sustained hot water burns on his stomach and thigh. He was taken to the nearest district hospital after the accident, where he was treated for burns and later discharged back home. Burn contractures and a massive keloid have developed on his abdomen. He often itches the area and feels very uncomfortable. His mother has been unable to take him to a hospital due to a lack of funds. In September 2023, a mobile team visited their area; they reviewed him and advised them to visit Kijabe Hospital for review. His mother pooled resources and visited the plastic surgery clinic. Surgery was recommended, but the family is financially constrained and unable to afford the proposed cost of the treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sospeter receive treatment. On October 13th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to relieve him of the itchiness and discomfort associated with the wound; thus, he will be able to live a normal and quality life. Now, their family needs help to fund his procedure and care. Sospeter's mother says, “My child is in pain. Look at the way he cannot stop crying and scratching himself. It hurts to see him this uncomfortable. Please help.”