“Six months ago Hun developed a cataract in each eye,” says our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). With this condition, 54-year-old Hun from Cambodia experiences limited vision and avoids going outside because of her sensitive eyes. Cataracts occur as proteins develop in the lens of the eye, causing cloudiness. Without treatment, the cloudiness increases over time and results in slowly deteriorating vision. They can ultimately result in total blindness and are especially common in regions near the equator due to high UV exposure. While treatable, cataracts are the number one cause of eye impairment in Cambodia. Hun explains, “It is hard to see everything and recognize faces. I can’t do work well or go anywhere outside.” $225 covers the cost of treatment to remove Hun’s cataracts. Doctors will make a small incision in each of Hun’s eyes--surgically removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a new, artificial substitute. With improved vision, the grandmother of two can return to a more active lifestyle and better enjoy her time spent with family.

Rina, a 14-year-old girl from Cambodia, fractured her spine, and broke her tibia and fibula about a week ago, when she fell from a tree she was playing in "that was about twenty feet high,” describes our medical partner. “Her left leg and left side of her bottom took the brunt of the fall, leaving her with a broken tibia and fibula, and a compression fracture of the first vertebrae of her lumbar spine." As a result, Rina "can't do anything but lie in bed without having horrible pain and is experiencing numbness in her left foot.” "Rina is in the eighth grade at school and has two younger sisters," her doctors continue. "She loves to read and her favorite class is Biology." For $405 we can provide Rina with treatment which will significantly reduce her pain and will soon allow her to walk again. Let's help Rina get back on her feet and back to school!