Bin is a 15-year-old student from Cambodia. He is the middle child in his family. His mother sells Khmer congee, a traditional Cambodian rice porridge, at the market in the mornings, while his father repairs motorbikes from their home. Bin is currently in grade 10 and enjoys studying math and science. His favorite meal is Samlor Proher, a popular Cambodian fish and lemongrass soup. In his free time, Bin loves playing soccer with his friends. About five years ago, Bin had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Bin experiences discharge from his right ear, followed by hearing loss. He has difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places, which sometimes makes it hard for him to communicate clearly with others and keep up in class. Bin traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 7th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Bin said, “I want to be free from this problem so I can enjoy time at school and with my friends.”

Sokuntheary is 14 years old and an eighth-grade student from Pursat Province, Cambodia. She is the youngest of two siblings and has one older brother who is currently unemployed. After her parents divorced when she was just one year old, Sokuntheary has been living with her aunt, who works as a farmer. She enjoys studying literature, which is her favorite subject at school, and she hopes to become a teacher in the future. In her free time, she likes to read books and help with housework. Her favorite food is spicy stir-fried chicken. Sokuntheary was born with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, often resembling a "C" or "S" shape. As she has grown, her spinal curve has worsened, bending toward the right side. This condition often causes her pain and makes it difficult for her to sit for long periods. As a result, she struggles to concentrate in class when the teacher is speaking and worries about being teased by her classmates because of her appearance. Additionally, she experiences difficulty walking, which impacts her daily life. In the past, Sokuntheary had never sought hospital treatment because her family could not afford it. However, a relative informed her aunt about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). They traveled four hours to attend a consultation. On August 11th, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal "growing rod" into her spine to help correct the curve and allow for further spine growth. CSC is requesting $1,500 to cover the costs of her surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. Once she recovers, her spine will be straighter, her pain will be reduced, and she should be able to participate fully in school and everyday activities without fear or discomfort. Sokuntheary's aunt said: "After the surgery, I hope that Sokuntheary will no longer have any pain so that she can do a good job at school and focus on her studies."

Angelina is a 78-year-old widow from the Philippines. She currently lives with her children and their families in a single household, which makes their financial resources limited to cover basic living expenses. Despite her age, Angelina remains active in her home and believes in the importance of self-care through healthy eating and habits. She takes pleasure in doing household chores and cares for her grandchildren while her children are at work. Angelina has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. She needs to undergo a mastectomy, surgery to remove breast tissue, to remove the breast cancer from her body and prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Angelina's family has been deeply affected by her diagnosis, both emotionally and financially, and are worried about how to fund her operation. In hopes of receiving help, Angelina contacted our medical partner's hospital to request assistance for her surgery. Despite the challenges she has faced, Angelina remains optimistic and resilient. Her story highlights the challenges faced by many older women in the Philippines who continue to support their families while battling serious health conditions. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), can help Angelina receive treatment. On June 28th, she will undergo a mastectomy that will hopefully allow her to return to a cancer-free life after treatment.  The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of her treatment, and WSFP is raising $990 to cover the remaining cost. Angelina said, "I am hopeful and thankful for the good hearts that will help me through these challenging times so I can recover and return to my normal life."

Hemony is a 45-year-old woman from Cambodia. She lives with her elderly mother in Kandal province, and serves as her primary caregiver. She has two older brothers, who provide financial support for both her and their mother. Four years ago, Hemony had an ear infection. This infection caused the eardrum in her left ear to perforate. As a result, Hemony experiences tinnitus (ringing in the ear), hearing loss, ear discharge, and headaches. She visited a local clinic several months ago, and was given medication, but the primary problem of hearing loss persists. It is challenging for her to hear what others are saying, and she worries that she might not hear when her mother calls for assistance. Because of her inability to hear well, Hemony spends most of her time at home, and does not socialize with her neighbors. Hemony traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 3rd, she will undergo a myringoplasty on her left ear ear. During this procedure, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will close the perforation. Hemony and her family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment, and need help raising $263 more to fund the procedure. Hemony says: "I hope that after the surgery, I will no longer have headaches and will be able to hear what others are saying. I also want the discharge from my ear to stop, so I will not feel embarrassed around other people."

Khorn is a 61-year-old farmer from Kampong Cham province. Since childhood, he has worked on farms, planting and harvesting crops such as potatoes and bananas and selling them to the local markets. His wife and daughter also work on the farm to support the family. At home, he enjoys gardening and growing fruits and vegetables for his family. About two years ago, Khorn developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Khorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Khorn can contribute $75 but needs help to raise $178 more to fund his procedure and care. Khorn said, "I am hoping that after my eye surgery, my vision will improve and I can return to the farm without pain or worrying about my vision."

Chit is a 20-year-old student from Burma. She is a medic student who lives with other trainees in a dormitory in Tak Province, Thailand. After completing the training, she will move back home and live with her parents and siblings. Her parents and two older siblings are farmers while her younger sister is a student. Her younger brother looks after the family's chicken, pigs, and cows. Her family does not have a regular income, but they sell one of their livestock when they need money. In her free time, Chit enjoys playing volleyball with her friends, cleaning, watching movies, and reading the news on her phone. In early 2024, Chit started to experience pain in her right breast. In July 2024, while studying about breast cancer, she examined her breast and felt a mass in her right breast. She noted that the pain in her breast could be a sign of breast cancer. She went to a clinic where she had an ultrasound and was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, for further investigation. She is worried about her condition which has led to affecting her ability to sleep and an inability to focus on her studies. On December 11th, surgeons will remove the mass. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Chit's procedure. Chit said, “I did not let my parents know about my condition because I was worried that they might borrow money to help pay for my treatment, and then they would be in debt. I don’t have money myself as well so I felt very stressed when I learned that I would need surgery. Now, I am relieved that BCMF and the donors will cover the surgery cost for me. Thank you so much for your support.”

Pov is a 59-year-old truck driver from Kampot province, Cambodia. He is divorced with one daughter and one grandchild. He lives with a close friend and enjoyed working as a driver for a small company until his vision deteriorated making it impossible for him to continue driving. In his free time, he likes to scroll through Facebook, stay connected on social media, and keep up with the latest news. About eight months ago, Pov developed a cataract in his right eye causing him blurry vision which has gradually worsened. It has become difficult for him to drive in the evening or night, and recognizing things has become a challenge. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces. He is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Pov learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 10th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Pov can contribute $100 but needs help to raise $153 more to fund this procedure. Pov shared, "I am hopeful that after having this operation, I can return to work and drive with confidence again."

Fatma is a 50-year-old mother of seven children aged between four and sixteen. She has faced considerable hardship, being a widow and the sole provider for her family, without a steady income. Fatma resides in Somalia, but also depends on the support of her niece that sells tea in Nairobi, Kenya. Unfortunately, she is unable to afford vital medical treatment. Since 2021, Fatma has been experiencing a persistent bloated feeling and discomfort in her lower abdomen. Initially treated for brucellosis and yellow fever at a local facility without improvement, the growth in her abdomen continued to enlarge, prompting both health concerns and a sense of self-consciousness due to the enlarged mass. She traveled to Kenya to seek medical advice, and further examination in Wajir suggested ovarian cancer, and the need for surgery. However, due to financial constraints, she sought help at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Here, the diagnosis confirmed a large non-cancerous abdominal pelvic mass that needed to be removed through surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Fatma receive treatment. On March 22nd, surgeons at AIC Kijabe Hospital will perform a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH/BSO) procedure to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and prevent future surgery for benign ovarian masses. Now, Fatma needs help to fund this $1,260 procedure. Fatma is hopeful as she awaits the surgery that promises relief. She says, “I look like a seven-month pregnant lady because of the growth. It is painful. I hope to get treatment so that this pain can go away.”

Maria is an elderly small-scale farmer and mother to five children, sadly, two of whom have passed away. Among her children, she has two sons: one is a teacher, and the other is a builder. Her daughter is pursuing a career as a nurse. She lost her husband twelve years ago, but through her dedication to farming, she has been able to proudly provide education for all her children until they became self-reliant. Although Maria completed primary school, she was unable to pursue her own further studies. Currently, Maria resides with her granddaughter, born to one of her late sons who served in the army. For three years now, Maria has had a left reducible inguinal hernia, a type of painful hernia where soft tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Maria sought medical care after experiencing swelling, fatigue, and movement-triggered pain that greatly impacted her ability to work and perform everyday activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help Maria. On June 6th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $230 to fund Maria's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Maria says, “I hope to get well and I will continue living in better health."

Roeun, who is 65 years old, is a retired rice farmer living in Kampong Cham province. She has five sons and 17 grandchildren. She shared that her husband abandoned the family several years ago, leaving Roeun to parent alone. All of her sons work far from home, so she lives with her sister, and receives financial support from her children. She helps care for her grandchildren, and in her free time, she likes to listen to monks chanting on the radio. One year ago Roeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, and is reluctant to do things on her own, due to her vision. When Roeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours to seek treatment. On April 4th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Roeun will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Roeun said: "I hope I can see everything and recognize faces after surgery."

Un is a 61-year-old grandmother who dotes on her seven active grandchildren. She and her husband are rice farmers and have three sons and four daughters. One daughter lives with them and helps with housework and cooking. About one year ago, Un developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and photophobia. She is afraid to use her stove because she cannot see numbers or dials, and is afraid she might injure herself or her daughter. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Un learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours to seek treatment. On March 9th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery to implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Un said, "My eye feels cloudy and I can't go outside to help with the rice crops. I hope after surgery I can see more easily and go outside by myself."

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."