Ork is a 60-year-old retired construction worker. He is widowed with five children and one grandchild. Ork's four daughters are married and have moved out to surrounding villages. He currently lives with his son, daughter-in-law, and newborn grandchild. His son, a construction worker, shoulders the responsibility of providing for his family. Ork's daughter-in-law works in a nearby garment factory but is taking several months of leave to care for their newborn. Ork enjoys watching TV, listening to monks pray on the radio, and looking after his grandchild. Around ten years ago, Ork developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him to tear often and have blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Ork learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On March 11th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Ork said, “I hope after surgery I will be able to go to the pagoda by myself. I want to be able to do things on my own and help to take care of my family."

Lucia is a baby from southern Bolivia. Her mother stays home with her, and her father is a delivery driver. Lucia was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. A major blood vessel leading to the heart is too small, which leaves Lucia weak and unable to properly grow. Additionally, she has turner syndrome. Lucia needs surgery to open the aorta to its full size. This will allow blood to flow more easily so she can grow up healthy. Lucia's mother states: "Our family is so happy to know that our daughter can finally have this surgery; we have been hoping for this opportunity since she was born."

Visal is a five-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, older sister, and grandmother. Visal's father is a construction worker, while his mother is a garment factory worker. His grandmother stays at home to care for him while his parents work. Visal's parents hope that he can go to school soon. His favorite meal is fried chicken and vegetables. At home, Visal enjoys spending his free time playing soccer with his friends in the village. Since birth, Visal has been unable to fully extend his fingers as they are fixed in a bent position. This condition is making it difficult for him to grasp objects or use his hand comfortably. His parents are worried he will have difficulty when he starts school. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. Visal is scheduled for contracture release surgery on April 22nd. Visal's family is able to contribute $100 but still needs $387 to fund this procedure. Visal's mother said, “I hope Visal can use his hand before he starts school."