“It is hard to see everything clearly or do any work very well,” shares Khuon, an 80-year-old woman from Cambodia. “I can’t go outside by myself.” Three years ago, Khuon developed a cataract in each eye. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us that due to her condition, Khuon experiences blurred vision, tearing, and itchiness. Cataracts occur when a thin, cloudy layer develops over the eye lens--gradually worsening vision as they continue to grow. For $225, Khuon will undergo the most widely practiced eye surgery. The clouded lens in each eye will be removed and replaced with an artificial substitute. Within a day of the surgery, Khuon will regain her vision. Khuon, who is married with three sons, three daughters, and 20 grandchildren, enjoys listening to the radio and hearing the monks praying. Eager to return to her normal lifestyle, Khuon says, “I hope my eyes can see everything clearly again. I want to help my daughter do housework, take care of my grandchild, and go anywhere outside by myself.”

Nassoro is a friendly and talkative eight-year-old boy who lives with his mother and two siblings in Tanzania. Nassoro was born with severe varus deformities in both of his legs, causing his knees to knock into one another whenever he walks. Despite the pain this causes, Nassoro walks to school every day where he loves to draw, play card games, and dig around outside. Nassoro’s mother is a skilled cook and sells enough food to care for Nassoro and his two siblings. Although she is eager for Nassoro to get better, she cannot afford the medical treatment Nassoro will need to help him walk for long distances. “I just want my legs to be straight so that I can be tall and play football with the rest of the students in school,” Nassoro says. For $555, Nassoro will have surgery on his legs to repair his gait so that he can walk and run free from pain and without the risk of developing premature osteoarthritis. Together we can make sure that Nassoro is grow, be active and play football whenever he wants.