Phally is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He has one son and one daughter. He likes to watch TV, play sports, and spend time with his children. Seven months ago, he was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his leg. It is difficult for him to walk and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 9, Phally will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $430. This procedure will help him walk easily again. He says, "I hope after surgery I won't be in pain and I can return to work."

Vanna is a farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons. She likes to listen to classical music. Two years ago, Vanna developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, and photophobia. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Vanna 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 her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for October 16. She says, "I look forward to return to working after the operation."

Try is a vegetable farmer from Cambodia. He has three daughters and five grandchildren. He likes to watch comedy films and boxing matches. He loves to spend time with his grandchildren. Six years ago, Try developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision, irritation, and itching. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Try learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for eight and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 5, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $398 procedure. He says, "I would like to continue my work farming, do house work, and be able to go to anywhere outside by myself after the surgery."

Mu is a 27-year-old farmer from Burma. She rents a patch of land with her husband and farms. She has two children. Mu experienced abdominal pain and visited Mae Tao Clinic, our medical partner's care center. She received medication, which temporarily alleviated the pain but did not eliminate her symptoms. She has been diagnosed with gallstone pancreatitis. Mu says, “It is a sharp pain and it comes on without warning. Sometimes I can feel it all the way in my back.” Mu has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Mu's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Mu is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on February 14. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Mu's procedure and care.

Kenia is a 16-year-old student who lives in Haiti with her parents and three brothers. She is in her second year of high school and hopes to study at the university level and ultimately start a business. Kenia was born with a cardiac condition known as ventricular septal defect, and she additionally experiences mitral valve insufficiency. Together, these defects prevent enough oxygen-rich blood from circulating throughout her body, leaving her sickly and short of breath. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,343 to cover the cost of Kenia's air transportation to her surgery's location site. Once there, Kenia will receive the treatment that she needs and will hopefully be able to live more comfortably. "I have been having problems with my heart since I was very young, and so I am excited that I can finally have the chance to get it fixed!" exclaims Kenia.