Siel is a 43-year-old single father of two. He lives in a rural village about ten kilometers from our medical partner's hospital, Bwindi Community Hospital. He is a farmer who grows bananas, beans, cassava, and potatoes. Seven years ago, Siel began to experience mild pain and discomfort, which prevented him from farming and brewing local gin to support his family. When his symptoms grew severe in October, he visited Bwindi Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with a bilateral femoral hernia. He underwent repair surgery on November 4. Siel has contributed $4 to his care, but he needs help to raise the remaining $229 required to pay his medical bill. Siel enjoys watching soccer at the local stadium and listening to sports news on the radio. After recovery, he looks forward to returning to his business and his farming. “I thank donors for supporting my treatment and treatment for other people who cannot support these costs," says Siel. "I pray that God rewards donors in all they do.”

Rorn is a 60-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and has two sons, three daughters, and four grandchildren. He likes to listen to monks pray and join ceremonies at the pagoda. Two years ago, Rorn developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision and tearing. Over time, his sight has deteriorated, and it has become difficult for him to see things clearly, do any type of work, and go anywhere on his own. Rorn knew about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), because his aunt had surgery there. He traveled for three hours with his daughter to reach CSC for treatment. Rorn is scheduled for cataract eye surgery on January 12. Surgeons will remove the cataracts and implant an artificial lens in each eye. After the surgery, Rorn will be able to see clearly again. CSC is requesting $292 to fund this treatment. "I hope I can see everything more clearly than now," says Rorn, "so that I can continue my work as a farmer easily. I want to plant lotus flowers, too."

Zaw is an 11-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents and two younger brothers. Zaw's mother sells watermelon in their town, while his father works on construction sites and cuts bamboo for neighbors. Zaw himself is a student who just finished the fourth grade. He loves to spend his free time playing football and marbles with friends. When Zaw was nine, his mother noticed a nasal polyp, or growth, inside both of his nostrils. At night, he began to have difficulty breathing. Zaw's condition has caused him to stop attending the fifth grade. Zaw's family could not afford medication or travel to a clinic. Finally, Zaw visited our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital. There, he will undergo a CT scan on January 11. This scan will help his doctors plan for further treatment. Zaw's parents earn an inconsistent income. They need help to fund this $1,500 procedure. His mother hopes her son will recover soon. “If I am fully recovered, I will go back to school,” Zaw says.