Dominic is a young man, who currently walks with the aid of a broken walking stick. Dominic is a father of one and relies on the little he earns from informal tutoring of pupils. Dominic is 25 years old, and comes from a poor family of a widowed mother and seven siblings. He was the main provider for his young family before he was involved in a car accident a few years ago, where he fractured his tibia. His wife is a casual laborer who washes clothes for people to earn a living. Dominic's first surgery was funded by well-wishers. He needed a second surgery but due to lack of funds, it has been delayed for over one year. Due to financial constraints, he has not been able to get medical crutches to aid in walking. Dominic needs help to have the surgery done and restore back his health. Dominic's current symptoms include pain and strain while walking. Since the accident, Dominic can no longer work at construction sites, which was his means to earn a living. If not treated, Dominic may continue experiencing pain on his leg and difficulties in walking. He may also suffer severe infection which could result in amputation. $1,410 will fund the surgery and casting he needs to get healthy, and regain the use of his leg. “I would like to be a providing father and supportive son to my widowed mum; it pains me to have to rely on my wife for everything,” said Dominic. Our medical partner adds: "We expect that after the surgery, Dominic will heal well and he will be able to walk on his own again. Eventually he will be able to work and support his family."

"Phon developed a cataract in each eye three months ago," our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us about the 53-year-old man from Cambodia. "This causes him blurred vision, tearing, and discharge." Cataracts occur when the eye lens becomes cloudy, making it very difficult to see. If not treated, cataracts can lead to functional blindness over time. Fortunately, a simple and commonly practiced procedure can restore Phon's vision. $225 will cover the cost of a phaco procedure and IOL implants for each eye. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lenses and replacing them with clear implants. After surgery, "Phon will be able to see clearly again," CSC explains. As a rice farmer and father of five, it's important to Phon and his wife that he gets his vision back and is able to work again. "I want to find another job as a motor taxi driver to earn some money to support my family," Phon tells us of his plans for after surgery.

23-year-old Savy, a factory worker from Cambodia, has had problems with ear infections since he was a child. "Savy began having bilateral pus ear discharge when he was six-years-old," reports our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). "On the right side, he eventually developed a cholesteatoma." A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the ear drum. This causes him recurrent discharge with a bad smell, hearing loss, pain, and a ringing in his ear. "I get discharge every day and this makes me unhappy," Savy tells us. "I cannot work anymore because it is painful." Savy works in a factory to support his wife and child, but since he has been unable to work he does not have the income to pay for his medical treatment. He traveled two hours to CSC for proper care, and needs $809 to fund his mastoidectomy procedure. During this operation, doctors will remove the infected skin cells and then drain his middle ear. After a couple weeks of healing, "Savy's ear discharge will stop and his hearing will improve." Savy is excited to have his operation so he can return home where he enjoys listening to the radio and playing football with his neighbors. "I hope my ear discharge stops and I have no pain after surgery," Savy shares.