Cataracts, or the clouding of the eye's lens, can develop naturally as a person ages. However, at 39 years old, Sokhon is unusually young to have cataracts; most patients with the disorder are over 55. Sokhon, a native of Cambodia, has been living with a cataract in each eye for three months now. The two cataracts make Sokhon’s vision blurry, which has major repercussions for her daily life. Without being able to see clearly, Sokhon has trouble doing her work as a rice farmer, and she can’t travel far from her house on her own. She has also been experiencing headaches due to the cataracts. It is important that Sokhon regain her ability to work soon: she and her husband have three daughters to support. Fortunately, there is a two-step surgical procedure that can make that a reality. Doctors will first remove the cataracts from each of her eyes. Then, they will replace the clouded lenses with functioning artificial lenses. For $292, we can sponsor this surgery, as well as the hospital stay and medications that Sokhon will need to recover from it. After her procedure, Sokhon will be able to see clearly again. Let’s make sure this young mother can return to work—and to spending pain-free time with her daughters—as soon as possible.

Kyaw Thet is a 14-year-old boy living in Burma. He is part of a large household, which includes two older sisters, four nephews, two nieces, and his parents. He also has three brothers who live separately with their families and four sisters and one brother living in Bangkok. Kyaw Thet’s family earns money by growing and selling rice. They also keep ten cows and two pigs for food or to sell if they need extra money. Kyaw Thet was referred to our medical partner with a diagnosis of bladder trauma. The trauma occurred as a result of a motorbike accident. Kyaw Thet also suffered a broken leg, external wounds on his legs and the back of his head, and internal injuries. Kyaw Thet already had one surgery to address this condition and feels much better now, but needs another surgery - a urethrotomy - for his urethra stricture (the abnormal narrowing of the urethra, which carries urine out of the body). Currently Kyaw Thet does not feel pain during urination but he feels uncomfortable. The urethrotomy should relieve this discomfort and allow Kyaw Thet to return to a normal day to day life. He will be able to continue enjoying school and pursuing his dream of becoming a teacher.