Mary is a woman from Kenya. As a subsistence farmer, Mary’s income is small. She is a mother of nine children. Six years ago, Mary developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, blurring vision. She has difficulty seeing and working on her farm. Fortunately, Mary is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $220 procedure. Mary says, “I hope that soon I will be able to see clearly and continue depending on myself."

Song is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He has one daughter, one son, and six grandchildren. He likes to listen to monks pray on the radio and join ceremonies. About three years ago, Song developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him tearing, itching, irritation, and blurred vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Song learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Song needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for May 2. He says, "I want to see well so I can recognize my relatives and grandchildren. I also want to go the local pagoda."