Kiev is a 66-year-old mother of six and grandmother of thirteen. She lives in Cambodia. Ten years ago, Kiev developed a pterygium, or growth, in each eye. As a result, it became difficult for her to see things clearly and go anywhere outside on her own. She was worried about going blind. After hearing about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), Kiev traveled for three hours with her son to seek treatment. On December 19, Kiev will undergo eye surgery, during which her doctors will remove the pterygium from each eye, allowing her to see clearly again. CSC is requesting $148 to fund this procedure. "I hope that my eyes will look better," says Kiev, "so that I can easily do my work at home, like cook and clean, and I can go anywhere by myself."

Sary is a 59-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia who is married and has two daughters and three grandchildren. She likes to attend ceremonies held at pagodas and immerse herself in the peaceful prayers of monks. Six years ago, Sary began to develop a pterygium, or a tissue growth, on the peripheries of both her eyes. Over time, as the tissue growths spread toward the center of her eyes, she is slowly losing her vision. Sary's eyes often feel irritated. Because of her blurred vision, she finds it increasingly difficult for her to see things clearly on her farm. From her neighbors, Sary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Hoping to seek medical help and treatment, Sary traveled for three hours with her sister to CSC. On January 3, Sary will undergo an eye operation to have the pterygium removed from each eye. To fund Sary's operation, our medical partner is requesting $148, which covers the cost of surgery and medication. After her surgery, Sary hopes to regain her vision so that she may see the faces of her grandchildren clearly again. "I hope to look and feel better," says Sary, "so that I can continue my work as a farmer and do anything easily."