68-year-old Chab enjoys listening to the social news on the radio and hearing the monks pray. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), adds that the mother of seven and grandmother of 15 lives in Cambodia with her family. “Eight months ago, Chab developed a cataract in each eye,” CSC tells us. “This causes her blurred vision, burning, tearing, and she now has a fear of sunshine. It is hard for her to see clearly, recognize faces of relatives, go outside by herself, and do any work well.” Cataracts form as proteins develop over the eye lens and cause a cloudy layer to form. While treatable, limited access to healthcare leads many cataract cases to go untreated for long periods of time. Without intervention, the cloudiness increases over time and results in slowly deteriorating vision. $225 covers the cost of a surgery to remove both of Chab’s cataracts. In each eye, a small incision will be made to remove and replace the old lens with a clear implant. Almost immediately after the operation, Chab’s vision will be restored. Chab shares, “I hope my eye can see everything clearly now so I can help my daughter cook food, clean the house, and take care of my grandchild. I also would like to be able to easily go to the pagoda or go anywhere else by myself.” Chab’s daughter adds, “I hope my mother can see everything clearly now so she can do any work and go anywhere by herself.”

Meet Harka, a 35-year-old man from Nepal. Harka lives with his father, his wife, and his three children. He always tries his best to bring food to his family's dining table through farming and daily labor jobs. “Harka has a pain in his right leg,” our medical partner, Possible, tells us. “There is a swelling in his scrotum which makes it very uncomfortable to work." Harka has an inguinal hernia, and has soft tissues bulging through a weak point around his abdomen. He has difficulty with daily chores such as changing clothes, sleeping, walking, and sitting down to eat. “He has been suffering from this illness for the last six years, and because of financial difficulties, he has not been able to receive treatment,” Possible tells us. “The financial condition of his family is very delicate,” Harka’s nephew explains. “The family relies heavily on Harka’s labor job because they are not able to produce enough from their small piece of land." For $491, we can provide a hernia repair for Harka so he will be able to walk, sit, sleep, and perform other daily chores without any pain and discomfort. He will also be able to add extra work hours to help support his family.

“I hope the second surgery will restore my eyesight and I can go back to normal work and daily life,” says Seoun, filled with hope. Meet Seoun, a 60-year-old father of five and grandfather of 25 from Cambodia. Not only does Seoun need his eyesight for his work and family, but also for hobbies such as reading. Unfortunately, mature cataracts in both of Seoun’s eyes have made this nearly impossible. Seoun had a successful surgery to remove the cataract in his right eye but his vision remained blurry because of the cataract in his left. With $150, we can get Seoun the treatment he needs to restore his eyesight and reduce any pain he may be feeling. Let’s raise the funds and support Seoun on his journey to health!