Meet Yuth, an 80-year-old woman from Cambodia. “Yuth is married with three sons, one daughter, and over 10 grandchildren. She enjoys visiting the pagoda and listening to monks pray," shares our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Two years ago, Yuth developed mature cataracts in each eye. A cataract occurs when a thin, cloudy layer forms over the eye’s lens. "This causes her blurred vision, discharge, tearing, and fear of bright lights. It is hard for her to see clearly, do work, or go anywhere outside," CSC explains. "I hope my eyes can see everything clearly again,” shares Yuth, “Then, I can work at home and go anywhere outside." After learning about CSC, Yuth and her daughter travelled three hours to visit their clinic. They learned that a simple surgical procedure may restore Yuth's sight. With $292, Yuth will undergo cataract surgery, during which her old lenses will be removed and replaced with sheer artificial implants, allowing her to see again immediately after her operation.

Sroy is a 67-year-old woman married with three sons, six daughters, and ten grandchildren. She enjoys visiting the pagoda to listen to the monks pray and joining in ceremonies. Sroy developed cataracts in each eye five years ago. Ever since, she has had blurred vision, irritation, itching, and photophobia. As a result, Sroy can't get around easily or do work well. Sroy traveled three hours with her daughter to reach Children's Surgical Centre for treatment. She is unable to afford the surgery she needs on her own, but with $225 she will have her clouded lenses removed and clear, artificial lenses implanted. With this operation, Sroy will be able to see clearly once again and regain her independence. She'll be able to see her loved ones' faces again.

"Mengistu is very likeable and intelligent," says our medical partner, Ortho FOCOS (OF). "He is currently in stage 1 at a local school and dreams of becoming a doctor!" Eight-year-old Mengistu lives in Ethiopia with his two siblings, father and step-mother. "The family lives in a two room mud house and does not have access to electricity or running water," says OF. Mengistu has kyphosis- an exaggerated rounding of the back. He has trouble standing straight and is developing a hunch back. He walks at a very slow pace. For $1500, OF can correct Mengistu's kyphosis and allow him to live without constant pain and discomfort. He is also expected to regain full mobility. "At such a young age with such a severe deformity, this surgery will save his life," says OF. Let's help make it happen!