Shumye is a 66-year-old farmer and father of nine children from Ethiopia. Having spent his life working the land and providing for his family, Shumye now struggles with cataracts, which have increasingly obscured his vision, making it difficult to maintain his livelihood. One year ago, Shumye developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him clouded and dim vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that results in blurred vision. His difficulty seeing clearly, especially in changing lighting, jeopardizes his daily activities, independence, and safety. Without intervention, progressive vision loss threatens his overall quality of life. Fortunately, Shumye is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund his procedure and care. Shumye shared, "I wish to see clearly again, so I can go back to work and support my family."

Path is an elderly retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. He is married and has four daughters and three grandchildren. They live with their third daughter, who has a mental health disorder and needs their care. Due to her age, his wife no longer work and their daughters support them financially. At home, he likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio and visits the pagoda whenever he can. Three years ago, Path developed a cataract in his left eye. His ability to care for his family has been compromised because he finds it challenging to be outside in bright or dim light. When Path learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 6th, doctors will performed a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. Following a successful recovery, he will regain his clear vision. However, he currently requires assistance in funding the $253 procedure. Path said: "I hope that after the surgery, my eyes will be able to see better and I will feel happy again. I want to be able to see my family and friends, see the beauty of the world, and worship at the pagoda with joy again."

Roeun is a 68-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province. She is a widow with one son, one daughter, and six grandchildren. She lives with her daughter who supports them by working in a garment factory. She enjoys going to the pagoda to pray, growing vegetables, and gardening around her house. Five years ago, Roeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus she is unable to travel on her own. When Roeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On February 13th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Roeun needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She said, "I hope after this surgery I can take care of my grandchildren and help with the housework more."

Hai is a 60-year-old farmer. She has two daughters and one son. Her husband died 20 years ago, so Hai lives with one of her children. When she isn't working, Hai enjoys having to time to play with her grandchildren. Hai has nasal polyps in each nostril that cause bad odor, discharge, and pain. She has been using medications she purchases at a pharmacy to manage these symptoms but her condition has not improved. Fortunately, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) are able to perform a bilateral polypectomy to alleviate these symptoms permanently. She needs help to raise $343 to fund the surgery. Hai said, "I really hope after the surgery my nose will be better, my headaches will be reduced, and the infection will go away. When I am healed, I will help my children with their work."

At the age of seven, Sophea fell three meters from the roof of her house. Sine then, her back has formed a curve in her spine, and she has experienced pain in her back and difficulty sleeping. Surgery can help correct the position of her spine, and prevent further worsening of the condition. Sophea has three sisters and enjoys reading books, listening to music, and cooking. Her favorite subject in school is math, and she hopes to become a tailor when she grows up.

Peter is 60 years old and has a jolly and independent spirit. He says, “I’m young at heart and would not like to be dependent on others.” He is married and has nine children, all of whom work as laborers. He works as a farmer in Kenya to sustain himself and his family. Last month, Peter was hit by a motorbike and sustained a fracture on his left leg. Now, his leg is in pain and it is difficult for him to walk. He cannot continue farming because of the pain of walking around, but he hopes he can go back to work soon. For $1,000, Peter will receive an open reduction and internal fixation on his leg, which will set his fractured bones in place and and allow them to heal properly. Let’s help Peter walk again more easily so that he can return to his livelihood!