Linda Hilliker first crossed paths with Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) founder Scott Neeson in 2008—not in Cambodia, but in Fiji. Linda could not have known how deeply it would impact her life. Sixteen years later, Linda is a devoted sponsor, generous donor, and an advocate for healing, education and connection.
She has also left a planned gift in will for CCF, creating a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the lives of disadvantaged children in Cambodia through education.
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from the United States, Linda has worked for over four decades in emergency psychiatry, trauma, and crisis intervention. Her compassion runs deep, and her dedication to helping others has always been more than just professional—it’s personal.
Linda’s path to CCF began with a calling. She was drawn to attend a branch of Oneness University - a spiritual institution focusing on growth and transformation, which was founded in India - opened by American author, life coach and motivational speaker Tony Robbins at his Namale Resort in Fiji, where she met Scott Neeson, founder of CCF.
The encounter would leave a lasting impression.
“I didn’t know who he was,” she remembers, “but I just felt something about him—his presence, his authenticity, the way he connected with people. Later, when I saw his presentation about CCF, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
Linda acted on this feeling and began sponsoring a child in 2012. She sponsored another young girl, Channa, in 2019, and later sponsored two grandmothers through CCF’s Granny Program, which supports elderly individuals in the Steung Meanchey community who have faced hardship and loss.
“When I first started sponsoring, I didn't know anything about the history of Cambodia and what had gone on. But I had started to do some research a few years ago and got a couple of books to learn about the history. That just deepened my commitment,” says Linda.
I recognised this was an opportunity to invest in contributing to an amazing initiative
Linda has seen CCF flourish from one man’s wish to help just one child into an internationally renowned NGO with around 1,800 children now working towards a better future in CCF’s award-winning Education Program.
“I've seen how the organisation continues to grow - from achieving key milestones and education markers to being awarded the highest marks by [leading charity watchdog] Charity Navigator," says Linda.
”I just recognised that this was an opportunity to invest in contributing to an amazing initiative with someone [Scott Neeson] highly skilled in management, with a really big heart, and a strong calling. And that feeling has just gotten stronger over time.”
In 2024, as part of CCF’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Linda travelled to Phnom Penh from her home in Colorado to meet Channa for the first time, along with the two grannies she sponsors.
Her first trip to Cambodia was eye-opening. “I went to Angkor Wat, then the Killing Fields, and Tuol Sleng. The weight of the Khmer Rouge [regime] history hit me hard. The trauma still felt so present,” she says. “There was no time to process it before diving into the CCF anniversary events—it was a lot.”
That raw emotional experience deepened her understanding of the Cambodian people’s resilience and her commitment to CCF’s mission. “This organisation is about healing—not just physical needs, but the generational trauma of a country. It’s about education, dignity, and rebuilding the leadership that was lost.”
Meeting Channa was a highlight of her visit. “She’s sweet and bright, and plays goalie on the soccer team. I brought her a bracelet she wanted. Small things like that—they matter. Every picture shared, every sentiment, every little gift. It all creates a connection.”
I’ve included CCF in my estate plans
Though the distance makes connecting a challenge, Linda feels a strong bond with Channa, thanks to her regular catch-ups and the support she receives from CCF.
“It’s not the same as raising my own sons, but I feel committed to her future, to seeing her through university. I’ve included CCF in my estate plans to make sure that continues no matter what.”
Linda’s support also extends to the elderly. Sponsoring two grandmothers came naturally. “I’m in my 60s. I see their struggle, and I relate. Many of them lost children during the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s like they are getting a second chance. It’s beautiful.”
Her own story echoes that intergenerational bond. “I had strife in my home life. I ran away as a teenager, and it was my grandmother who took me in. She saved me from a very difficult situation. So supporting grandmothers at CCF is personal.”
I’ve not just invested some money, but my heart as well
Linda’s work in trauma and healing aligns deeply with CCF’s mission.
Her visit to Cambodia stirred not only reflection but momentum. Sharing her journey on social media unexpectedly inspired others. “Friends started asking about CCF. One of them, a retired child psychiatrist, even made a donation. That was powerful—it showed me the impact of sharing.”
For Linda, this isn’t just charity. It’s being part of something that has a lasting impact.
“I want to contribute to something that matters. I believe in CCF’s vision. I’ve not just invested some money, but my heart as well. My heart is connected to it.”
When asked what she hopes her support will achieve, Linda’s answer is clear: “I want Channa to feel supported all the way - through college, grad school, whatever path she chooses. I want girls in Cambodia to know they’re worthy, and that someone believes in them.”
Channa's View
We asked Channa, who lives with a foster mum in CCF's Girls to Grannies Village, what Linda means to her. She says:
"Having Linda as a sponsor feels like having a second mother and a close friend. We've known each other for six years, and Linda plays an important role in my life. She always gives helpful advice, especially when I feel stressed or overwhelmed by studies. Once I asked for a video call with Linda, and even though Linda was busy, she made time for me. She gave me useful study tips and emotional support. It meant a lot to me because I really needed someone to talk to at that time."
