“Chab began having recurrent ear discharge and hearing loss when he was five years old,” says our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, (CSC). At 23 years old, Chab’s chronic ear issues have persisted, causing him to experience tinnitus (ringing in the ear), ear pain, and hearing loss. “It is difficult for me to communicate with other people,” Chab explains. Without intervention, Chab’s condition will continue—possibly leading to permanent ear damage. So far Chab’s condition has led to a perforated eardrum in each ear. For $598, Chab will receive a bilateral myringoplasty—providing him with a long-term medical solution. During the operation, the perforation in each of Chab’s ears will be closed and the damaged parts restructured. “A myringoplasty surgery on each side will treat Chab's ears,” CSC states. “The drainage will stop and his hearing will improve.” Chab, who is currently studying at a beauty school, hopes to work in a salon. He spends his free time learning about makeup and reading. The aspiring hairdresser lives with his parents and four siblings in Cambodia. Eager to continue his studies, Chab shares, “I hope the ear discharge will stop and I will have good hearing. In the future, I want to be a hairdresser.”

“Alis is a calm child and her mother views her as a gift to the family,” says our medical partner in Guatemala, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Alis’s mother loves to play with Alis and carries her on her back wherever she goes.” The nine-month-old baby girl is the first and only child to a young couple. After her mother’s complicated pregnancy, Alis has experienced growth issues since birth. Due to a nutrient-poor diet--her mother did not have enough breast milk to feed her and she was not introduced to solid food at six months--Alis is now acutely malnourished. “Her mother tried to seek treatment for her breast milk, but could not afford any of the medications and could not afford formula,” WK explains. “Alis is at risk for the long-term effects of malnutrition and without intervention she will continue to lose weight, her immune system will weaken and she will face the effects of stunted mental and physical development.” For $512, Alis can receive treatment for her malnourishment. Alis will receive nutrient-rich food supplements to stabilize her nutrient levels. For the next several months, doctors will visit Alis' house on a weekly basis in order to closely monitor her progress. Alis will also undergo a thorough medical assessment to test for thyroid disease, anemia, and intestinal infections. Alis’ mother will be enrolled in an intensive nutrition course, teaching her how to provide healthy food within her family’s means. “Although Alis’s mother wants to provide her with all the tools necessary to live a healthy life, she currently does not have the economic means or education to do so,” WK shares. “This treatment will provide supplemental food to help Alis recoup her weight and height, as well as deliver intensive nutrition education to her mother…Alis will have the support needed to reach her full mental and physical potential.” Alis’ mother says, “I want to learn all I can to help my child grow well and healthily. I want to have a little girl who can go to school and is really smart.”

Meet Sarou, a 74-year-old woman from Cambodia. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us, “Sarou is married with three daughters and 11 grandchildren, and she likes to listen to the monks in her village pray.” Sarou has hypermature cataracts in both of her eyes; this is a common development with old age as the lens inside of the eye becomes cloudy. CSC says, “Sarou is partially blind from her cataracts; she says she can’t do work anymore and she doesn’t feel comfortable leaving the house unless someone is with her.” Due to her poor vision, it is not safe for Sarou to leave her house without her daughter’s help, however, this leaves Sarou feeling like a burden to her family. Sarou needs cataract surgery for both of her eyes. This procedure costs $225 and will replace the cloudy lenses inside of her eyes with clear implants. CSC reports that with this procedure, “Sarou will have clear vision.” CSC goes on to say, “After surgery, Sarou is hoping to be able to do work on her own, go to the pagoda to join in the religious ceremonies, and take care of her grandchildren.” Let’s make this happen for Sarou!