Shilah is a kind, soft-spoken woman from Kenya who is currently expecting her fifth child. Three of her children are studying in school, and Shilah shared that one of her children passed away in 2014. Shilah's parents passed away when she was young, so she did not have anyone to pay for her school fees. After completing primary school, she began working in farming. Her husband is also a farmer, as well as her older sister. During her free time, Shilah enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting a new baby and received full antenatal care. All of her past deliveries have been via a cesarean section. As Shilah has been experiencing a loss of appetite, generalized body weakness, and other worrisome symptoms during her pregnancy, her doctors recommend that she deliver via a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Shilah undergo a C-Section on November 30th. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Shilah says, “I have no way of raising the money needed for my surgery by myself. I appeal for your support for the success of my delivery.”

Chhoum Malay is a widow and loving mom to four sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a seller at a local coffee shop in Phnom Penh. Chhom Malay lost her husband about ten years ago when he passed away from a brain tumor, so she now helps her daughter with the housework and cooking. In the evening, she likes to watch dramas on their TV. Seven months ago, Chhoum Malay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing and trouble seeing to eat or drink in low light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Chhoum Malay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform 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. Chhoum Malay's daughter said: "After surgery, we hope my mother can see well again, go outside by herself, and help me with housework."

Sok is an 80 year-old retired rice farmer from Kompong Thom province. Since her husband died five years ago, she has been living alone. Her six children and twelve grandchildren live in neighboring villages. The family checks in on her often, but it has become increasingly difficult for Sok to go out on her own due to deteriorating vision. She misses going to the pagoda to pray and taking walks. Her favorite things are her grandchildren and listening to Buddhist radio. About one year ago, Sok developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Sok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sok shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better, easily go out on my own, and recognize my family."