Long Beach student, business owner raise funds for toddler's surgery

This is simply an inspiring story about how so many different people and groups can come together for a single cause without knowing it ahead of time. I'd love for something similar to take place with the Sustainable Sanitation Cambodia project!

Millikan High senior Lauren Briand and Socheat Nha in Briand's Long Beach home on Wednesday. (Jeff Gritchen/Press-Telegram)
Socheat Nha at Lauren Briand's home. Behind her is Nha's father, Phin Ken, and her cousin, Kenha Heang, right. (Jeff Gritchen/Press-Telegram)

02/25/2010
By Greg Mellen, Staff Writer
Long Beach Press Telegram

LONG BEACH - A student and a Long Beach business owner are raising money to help save the life of a Cambodian toddler and support the fledgling local nonprofit that finds treatment for destitute children.

When Lauren Briand went to Cambodia, she was looking for a project. At Angkor Children's Hospital, her project found a purpose. Now that purpose has a face.

Lauren and her mom, Debbie, were part of an educational and humanitarian tour to Cambodia led by Cal State Long Beach professor Alex Morales. Lauren was hoping to find something that would inspire her for her upcoming senior project at Millikan High.

The 17-year-old found it when the group went to Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap and saw scores of children in need of help. Already looking ahead to a future in medicine, Lauren found a natural fit in doing something to aid those in need.

Read the rest of this heart-warming and inspiring story here.

Help Build A School In Cambodia, And Maybe Win Something, Too!

My friend, CanCan, hosts the blog Mom Most Traveled, and is participating in the Passports with Purpose, annual event to raise $13,000 to build a school in Cambodia through American Assistance for Cambodia. And anything that helps education in Cambodia is a big CHECK-PLUS in my grade book!

For every $10 that is donated, you are entered to win some of the fabulous prizes available by the various sponsors and blog hosts! Check out the prizes here.

T-shirts & School Supplies to Villagers!

In September, just before I left Cambodia, I took the opportunity to deliver two-thirds of my collection of T-shirts, school supplies and hygiene products to two villages.

A Couch Surfer gladly joined us on our mission and had a blast helping pick out just the right styles for each boy and girl. I just wish we had more to give out!

Wearing her smart little shirt

Showing off his goodies

It's a blast to be giving to others who need it more than you do!

Kat had such a great time making a difference for these beautiful girls

Ready for school!

Showing off the T-shirts for her and her daughter

Looking good in their bright new T-shirts and jeans

Thumbs up for making their day!

If you want to be part of next year's delivery of T-shirts and such, just let me know. I am starting a collection now of the following:

• Children's T-shirts up to size X-Large (boys, girls or unisex)
  
• Adult T-shirts up to size Small (men, women or unisex)
• Hotel size shampoos and soaps
• Toothbrushes (ask your dentist for free samples)
• Combs (you can find bags of 12 at 99 cent and dollar stores)
• Funds to pay for shipping (It costs about $54 for a Large Flat Rate box from the USPS that fits up to 20 T-shirts)

If you can help with any or all of the above, just let me know.

Email me at onlyincambodia [at] gmail [dot] com.