Daw Toe is a 70-year-old woman who lives with her husband in Burma. They are both retired farmers. Daw Toe likes to cook and sew clothing during her free time. Daw Toe has started to experience severe lower abdominal and back pain. When she walks long distances, the pain increases in her back and abdomen. She also has symptoms when using the restroom. Daw Toe has been diagnosed with kidney stones and swelling in her left kidney. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of a nephrectomy for Daw Toe, an operation to remove her left kidney, scheduled for June 12th. Daw Toe said, “I feel so sad since I have no money to pay for my surgery cost... Now, I feel a little bit better and I hope I will recover quickly after surgery. I thank everyone for helping me.”

Mach is a widow with one daughter, and three sons, and is a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren. Sadly, her husband passed away due to tetanus several years ago. She lives with her youngest son, a construction worker, in Phnom Penh province. For the last several decades, she earned a small living as a morning glory (water spinach) seller in the market. In her free time, she likes listening to Buddhist prayers on the radio. Two years ago, Mach developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She finds it difficult to take walks outside, so often stays alone in the house. When Mach learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 1, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope I will see better so I can go shopping and go to the pagoda by myself. I don’t want my family to worry about me falling or my eyes getting worse."

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.