Mao is a 52-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. She is married and has a son, two daughters, and one grandchild. Mao's husband is also a rice farmer. About one year ago, the retina of Mao's right eye detached, causing her partial blindness and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere on her own. Mao sought help from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On April 9th, eye surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure on her right eye. After recovery, Mao will be able to see better. Now she needs your help to fund this $649 procedure. Mao shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can stop worrying about my eye and go back to growing rice."

Koem Long is a 21-year-old who works in construction - ever since his motorcycle accident he hasn't been able to work. He is an only child and lives with his elderly grandparents. Currently, he stays at home to assist his grandparents and enjoys watching TV in his free time. Two months ago, Koem Long collided with another motorbike on his way home from work. He fell on the pavement, fracturing his jaw and injuring his right shoulder. He went to a local government hospital to repair his fractured jaw but was told they could not repair his shoulder. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right 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 loss of function and sensation. Two months later, his right arm is still non-functional. He cannot lift his shoulder or move his arm. Koem Long feels pain and is very disappointed that he cannot help his grandparents or find a job in his current condition. Koem Long traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in Cambodia where this treatment is available. On February 20th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to have movement in his hand and be able to find work. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Koem Long said, "After surgery, I hope I will be able to move my hand easily, ride my motorbike, spend time with my friends, and find work."

Chrispine is a four-year-old boy from Malawi. He has two other siblings, one twin brother and one sister. His mother Everes, had two sets of twins, but tragically lost one of the girls shortly after birth. Christpine's mother sells vegetables and her husband is a farm worker. Chrispine likes playing and enjoys all kinds of food. Chrispine was born with bilateral inguinal hernia, which are lumps on both sides of the lower abdomen resulting from a weakness of the abdominal wall. His mother has been awaiting for an opportunity for surgery at a nearby hospital, but recently Chrispine has been experiencing a lot of pain. The condition has also affected his mother's ability to work, which has caused an income reduction for the family. A former beneficiary of the surgery support program at our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Centre, advised the family to seek help there. The diagnosis of bilateral inguinal hernia was confirmed and the need for a surgical intervention emphasized. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Chrispine receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery, after which Chrispine is expected to make a full recovery. Now, Chrispine's family needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Chrispine's mother says, “I am grateful for the entire support given to my son and I am finally looking forward to surgery that will bring the long-awaited healing.”