Yi is a 50-year-old monk from Cambodia. He has five children. In his free time he likes to clean the pagoda. Three years ago, Yi had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his Left ear to perforate. For this reason, Yi experiences ear drainage, tinnitus, itchiness, and hearing loss. He has a difficult time hearing others and has daily pain, drainage, and itchiness that disrupts his work. Yi traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 1, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $423 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. He says, "I hope that this surgery will improve my hearing, stop my ear discharge as well as any tinnitus and itchiness."

“Three months ago, Tim developed a cataract in each eye,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), shares. “This causes him blurred vision, tearing, and some pain.” Now, he can no longer see clearly, go outside on his own, or continue working. Cataracts occur when proteins develop on the lens of the eye, causing cloudiness. Untreated, the cloudiness will continue to impede Tim’s vision. Because he is no longer able to work, Tim stays home with his wife and three daughters. "In his free time he does work around the home, cares for the yard, and visits the pagoda to listen to the monks pray." Tim looks forward to getting his vision back, and traveled four hours to seek treatment. Cataracts are easily treatable, but Tim can't afford treatment on his own. $225 will cover the cost of a short operation to give Tim his vision back. Doctors will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens that will allow him to see again. Tim and his wife look forward to the change that this surgery will bring.