Neng is a 70-year-old farmer from Kampong Cham province. She is married and lives with her husband and her twin sister, who is also a farmer. Together, they plant vegetables around their home to sell at the local market. Two years ago Neng developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. The cataract interferes with Neng's ability to go about her daily life, and if left untreated, her visual impairment will only increase, posing more difficulties for her. When Neng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for five hours to seek treatment. As a result, on January 4th, doctors at Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Centre will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. Neng needs your help to fund this procedure, which costs $253, and which will allow her to resume her life, able to see clearly. Neng said: "I hope I can see everything and recognize faces clearly after surgery. I would like to plant more crops for sale to support our family."

Michelle is a young child with a sweet smile. She is the firstborn of a two-child family. Her parents are modest farmers who grow potatoes and vegetables primarily for their own family's consumption. Additionally, they run a small kiosk out of their home, but its limited earnings are insufficient to cover their basic needs. Michelle is presently enrolled in nursery school at a nearby public school. Michelle had a normal cold when she visited our medical facility. She was gasping loudly while inhaling and coughing frequently. Since last year, Michelle has been ill. Her mother noticed that whenever she had a cold, she would frequently complain of a sore throat and cough a lot. She also have a hard time sleeping, has trouble breathing, and has difficulty feeding because she always breathes through her mouth. Michelle has to wear extra warm clothing to stay warm during the colder months because her nose always gets congested, which is hard for her. She has been an inactive child as she is always tired. Her sleep patterns are constantly off, and she easily nods asleep during the school day, which has a negative impact on how well she does academically. Due to recurring tonsil infections that are resistant to therapy, Michelle has been in and out of the hospital several times. During her last visit, the doctor examined her and realized that her tonsils and adenoids had hypertrophied. She has been diagnosed with grade three tonsils, and since she was not responding to any medication, the doctor advised them to have surgery, which would provide a lasting, long-term solution to her problem. Michelle's parents have medical insurance, but in the last three months, they did not manage to pay their monthly subscriptions as they were low on income. Their coverage is in arrears, and unfortunately, it will not cover her procedure. She requires $714 for her surgery to be done, and her parents are appealing to all well-wishers reading her story to assist her in getting her surgery. Michelle's mother says, “My daughter has really suffered over a long period of time. She has taken numerous drugs without any noticeable change in her, and this has me very concerned. I want her to be able to have a regular life and do well in school. Please assist her so that she can eventually realize her goals."

A couple from Tanzania visited our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), with their adorable newborn baby boy. Their two-day-old baby was born with clubfoot of both feet, which is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This condition can cause difficulty walking or wearing shoes. The couple is concerned that their son may have difficulty walking in the future as he grows, and they are seeking assistance with surgery. The baby's father works full-time at a timber factory and shared that his income only covers their basic needs. They are overjoyed with their new son and are hopeful he'll receive the care he needs. Fortunately, AMH can help! On November 4th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery that will allow the baby to walk easily and wear shoes as he grows up. AMH is requesting $935 to fund this procedure. Rebecca, the baby's mother, shared, “I am glad to know that my baby’s condition is treatable.”

Samnang is a 41-year-old taxi driver. He is married with one son and two daughters. His wife is a homemaker and his children are students in a local public school. When he is home, he likes to play volleyball and watch boxing on TV. Two years ago, Samnang developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him deteriorating vision and photophobia. In his profession, he is required to read a small screen on his phone for directions, and he no longer sees the screen well. This has jeopardized his ability to make a living. On October 18th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Samnang says, "I hope after surgery I can see better. I hope to recognize things well so I can drive my taxi to earn money to support my family's living."

Enid is a 48-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband are small-scale farmers. She shared that she has been blessed with four children who are in both secondary and primary school. Four years ago, a pimple-like swelling appeared on her upper medial mid-arm, and has steadily increased in size. The swelling makes Enid feel disfigured, and she no longer wears long-sleeved shirts or blouses. Now she can't lift anything, and she cannot wash and prepare food. If not treated, she will have persistent swelling and pain. Enid had not visited any health facility to treat the condition, as she was using herbs to manage the condition. She visited Nyakibale Hospital where she was diagnosed with a lipoma, and excision treatment was recommended to finally help her heal. On November 8th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Enid needs help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Enid says “I will be happy after receiving this treatment with your support so that I can live a normal life again with new hope to support my family through farming.”

Exavier is an adorable 5-month-old baby from Haiti who has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Exavier's head circumference has increased. Without treatment, he will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Exavier at Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available, and the procedure is scheduled to take place on August 26th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from his brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Exavier will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Exavier's family shares that they hope the surgery with allow him to grow, attend school, and play with the other children.

Deogratious is a father of twelve from Uganda. His eldest child is married with five children while the lastborn is 11 years old and in primary school class four. Only four of his children are still in school. He does farming together with his wife and they own a four-room mud house for shelter. Deogratious developed two bilateral gluteal swellings five years ago that started small but later progressively increased in size. They were painless at that time. He has never visited any medical facility for treatment. Now, he feels severe pain and can no longer sit or sleep comfortably. If not treated, the masses are likely to get infected, making the problem even more serious. Deogratious traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 29th, surgeons will remove the mass. Deogratious needs help to raise $145 to fund this procedure. Deogratious says, “I pray that I may get well through surgery. I finally hope that I may be able to live a normal life once again. I will continue with farming to sustain my family.”

Poeun is a 70-year-old grandfather with two daughters, five sons, and six grandchildren. He takes care of his grandchildren when his children go to work. Eight years ago, Poeun developed a severe ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membranes, or the ear drums, in both of his ears to perforate. As a result, Poeun experiences hearing loss, pain, and discharge, and it is difficult for him to communicate clearly with others. Poeun traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the care center of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 7th, he will undergo a procedure on both ears, during which doctors will close the perforations. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $914 to fund this procedure, and to cover Poeun's medications, supplies and inpatient care. Poeun says: "I hope after surgery my hearing improves and the pain stops."

Agrath is a beautiful seven-month-old baby girl. She is a healthy and happy little girl raised by a single mother and her grandmother. Agrath was born with bilateral clubfoot, a congenital musculoskeletal malformation that causes the foot to twist of our shape, ultimately impairing the ability to walk. She was scheduled for corrective casting once she was given her diagnosis, but it was too expensive for their family to cover. Understanding the financial challenges the family was facing, and the potential dangers associated with discontinuing treatment, the doctors referred Agrath's family to the Plaster House to seek help. Fortunately, on May 13th Agrath will undergo clubfoot repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Agrath's clubfoot repair. After treatment, her legs will be corrected and she will be able to grow up walking, running, and playing like other kids. Agrath’s grandmother says, “I am a widow and my granddaughter’s father is nowhere to be seen. We have no means of affording the surgery costs. Please help us.”

Mab is a 34-year-old electrician. He has two children, with his oldest son is seven years old and his newborn daughter at two months old. In Mab's free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends. Last December, Mab was in a motorcycle accident that caused a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is the nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in a loss of function and sensation. After the accident, Mab's family took him to a local hospital for treatment; however, his left arm is still immobile, and he has shoulder pain. The doctors referred him to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for review, where they determined his shoulder is partially dislocated, and he has no elbow or wrist flexion. CSC is the only treatment center in the country that can help Mab receive the treatment he needs. On April 5th, he will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery that will allow him to use his hand again. CSC is requesting $696 for the cost of this surgery. Mab was able to gather $100 to contribute to his care, as well. Mab says, "I hope my arm will regain strength, and I can return to work."