"It is hard to see everything or read books clearly,” says 69-year-old Chhan, a husband, father, and grandfather from Cambodia who developed cataracts in each eye six months ago. “I can't do any work well or go outside on my own." A cataract is a thickened, cloudy lens. Over time, the altered lens loses its ability to focus light properly. “This causes Chhan blurred vision, pain, irritation, and tearing,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us. Cataracts account for 50 percent of all cases of blindness worldwide, and formation typically occurs in both eyes, as Chhan is experiencing. For $225, Chhan will have surgery to remove the cloudy lenses from both of his eyes and replace them with artificial lenses. Funding for Chhan’s treatment also includes post-operative follow-up care. After surgery, “Chhan will be able to see clearly again,” says CSC. Chhan looks forward to having his vision restored so that he resume the activities that he enjoys—reading the Bible, listening to news on the radio, and listening to the monks pray at the pagoda. "I hope my eyes can see everything clearly again,” he shares.

“Once I am well, I hope to open a hardware shop near our home to improve our economic situation,” says 40-year-old Mary, who lives in Kenya with her husband and two children. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Mary has cancer on her left breast. “Mary has a two-year history of breast mass which has been hardening over time,” AMHF explains. “She experiences intermittent periods of pain on her breast. If not treated, the cancer may advance to other parts of her body and become fatal.” “Mary’s personal journey has been remarkably sad,” AMHF shares. “After being displaced during the Kenyan post-election clashes of 2007-2008 and having all of her family’s belongings torches, Mary began afresh. Her husband founded a church while she began working as a postage clerk. Because of her breast cancer, Mary has sometimes not gone to work because of the pain.” Despite the many advances for Mary’s family, she told AMHF that, “we are yet to be stable after the displacement, our house is incomplete and what we make is barely enough for sustenance.” $740 will cover the cost of Mary’s mastectomy and chemotherapy to treat her breast cancer. “We hope that after a left mastectomy is performed, the spreading of the potentially fatal cancer may be halted,” AMHF says. “Mary will be able to fully participate in working for her family and raising her children.”

Meet Morris, a 27-year-old man from Kenya and the eldest of three children. He is a trained tailor but has had a difficult time working since his accident earlier this year. While riding on a motorbike, Morris was hit from behind by a car that lost control. He has been diagnosed with a right tibia fracture and ostreomyelitis (infection in the bone) and can no longer walk without support. “Morris has had more than four operations since the accident,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. “His parents, who are farmers, ended up selling their land and cattle when Morris’ medical bills became too much for the family.” For $1,500, we can fund the bone transport necessary to repair Morris' damaged tissue and get him back on his feet again. Without treatment, he might end up needing an amputation due to severe infection. “I have watched as my parents sold everything they had so that I can walk again. I want to be able to walk and work again so that I can help my family,” Morris tells us. Together, we can make this dream a reality.