Ru is a 69-year-old husband, father, and grandfather who lives in Cambodia. He enjoys watching sports and news on TV and looking after his six grandchildren. One year ago, Ru developed a cataract in each eye. A cataract occurs when there is a buildup of proteins in the lens of the eye. This causes the lens to become cloudy, disrupting the passage of light through the lens and impairing vision. Cataracts typically occur in both eyes, and they are the leading cause of blindness in Cambodia. Ru experiences blurred vision, tearing, and light sensitivity due to his cataracts. As a result, he has difficulty seeing clearly or getting around easily on his own. Ru traveled one hour with his daughter-in-law to reach Children's Surgical Centre for treatment. For $292, he will undergo small incision cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lenses from his eyes and replace them with intraocular lens implants. Funding for Ru's treatment also includes two days of hospital care, eye drops and ointments, medicine to reduce pain and prevent infection, and one post-operative consultation. After surgery, Ru will be able to see clearly again.

Mario is a nine-month-old baby living in Guatemala with his parents and older brother. His mother cooks, cleans, and cares for Mario and his brother at home. His father works as a laborer, collecting wood to sell. Mario loves to play with the ball that he shares with his older brother. Mario's mother has noticed that he has not gained weight or grown in height as expected. She sought out further evaluation, and he has been diagnosed with acute malnutrition. He has not been receiving the calories and protein he needs, stunting his growth and weakening his immune system. He is at high risk for diarrhea, fevers, and coughs, all of which could contribute to his lethargy and decreased appetite. Without treatment, Mario could face long-term consequences such as low IQ, increased risk of chronic diseases, and lower earning potential as an adult. For $512, Mario can receive the treatment he needs to resolve his malnutrition. His treatment cost covers growth monitoring visits, food supplements, and medication to help him gain weight and develop properly. "I dream that my son can grow well and have good development," shares Mario's mother. "He may even then become a doctor for our community," she adds. Mario's treatment will strengthen his immune system, increase his overall caloric intake, and make it so he has more energy to play and learn. His mother will also receive nutritional education to help her optimize the diet he needs.

Since she was five years old, Sas has been dealing with the painful aftermath of a serious ear infection. Sas is a married 30-year-old woman from Cambodia who has two sons and farms to make ends meet. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), explains that her childhood ear infection "caused hearing loss, a perforated tympanic membrane, discharge, and pain. The infection developed into a cholesteatoma and she still experiences these symptoms." A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear which causes unpleasant symptoms like the ones Sas is experiencing. Removing it requires surgery, which Sas cannot afford. "I am unhappy that I have daily ear pain and it is difficult to communicate with other people. Sometimes I can't do anything because of the pain," Sas says. In hopes of receiving care, Sas traveled for five hours with her mother to reach CSC for surgery. With our help and $809, Sas will receive surgery to remove the growth and treat the underlying ear infection. As a result of this surgery, CSC says, "her pain and discharge will stop and over time her hearing can improve."

“I no longer have the strength to dig,” Abigaba shares. “But after recovery I will be able to take care of my banana farm.” Abigaba is a 77-year-old man from Uganda. He usually earns his money from harvesting bananas in his backyard plantation, but a recent medical issue has taken him out of commission. Two years ago, Abigaba developed swellings in his scrotum. These masses, known as acquired hydrocele, are caused by a build-up of fluid around the testes. Abigaba’s swellings have been increasing in size; they are painful, and make walking uncomfortable for him. A local councilman paid for Abigaba to visit a local health center, but the treatment he received there did not reduce the size of the swellings. Abigaba then visited Virika hospital, where doctors have recommended he undergo surgery to remove the hydrocele. Abigaba cannot afford to pay for this surgery on his own. His wife passed away and his children have all grown up and moved out, leaving him as the sole resident and breadwinner of his home. Although one of his daughters provides him with meals, Abigaba does not have any money saved for extra spending, since he has not been able to work lately. But we can help. For $215, Virika Hospital will provide Abigaba with hydrocele removal surgery, as well as his two-week post-operative hospital stay and medications. Let’s make sure Abigaba can leave his daily discomfort behind, and return to earning a livelihood on his farm.