Meet Juliet, a small-scale farmer and mother of five. Her dream was to become a banker, but her father passed away when she was in primary school, and her family was unable to continue to pay her school fees. Juliet is married and earns a living through farming, while her husband works as a builder. They live in a two-roomed home in southwestern Uganda. Three of their children are in school, and the other two children are married or working. For five years now, Juliet has had an inguinal hernia. This condition causes her pain and discomfort, especially when she lifts things, coughs, or does strenuous work like cultivating the farm. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping her receive treatment. On March 21st, Juliet will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH’s care center. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. AMH is requesting $230 to fund Juliet's surgery. Juliet said: “I hope to get healed when I am operated on and continue with my activities in good health.”

Sophal is a 30-year-old construction worker. Recently married, he resides in Kampot province with his wife. His parents and spouse are engaged in rice farming, while Sophal transitioned to a construction position last year. In his free time, he likes to take out a wooden boat and fish on the river. One year ago, he fell 6 meters at work and fractured both legs near the heel bone. He went to a referral hospital, and doctors fixated hardware to heal the fracture in both legs. Now, the bones are united, and the pins placed during the prior procedure are causing him discomfort and difficulty walking. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 10th, Sophal will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This procedure will eliminate pain, infection risk, and help him walk easily again. He shared, "I don't want to feel the metal anymore. I want to be more comfortable so I can do better at my job."

Veasna is a 15 year-old high school student. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and three siblings. His mom has a job in a clothing factory just outside of the city, and his father works as a security guard. Prior to his accident, Veasna enjoyed playing volleyball and soccer with his friends. In March 2023, he got in a motorbike accident and broke his left arm. He sought treatment from a traditional healer near his house, but is unable to use his arm and hand due to paralysis. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to use his hand and has stopped attending school. Veasna traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On September 14th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will be able to use his arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. He shared, "I hope I can fix my arm so I can go to school and get a job to help my family."

Srey Neth is a 25-year-old stay-at-home mother from Cambodia. She lives in a rural village with her mother, husband, and her 3-year-old son. Her husband is a tattoo artist, and her mother helps her at home with her son. Her favorite activity is shopping in the local markets. In July 2019, Srey Neth was in a motorbike accident that caused a fracture in her right femur and her left forearm and wrist. She went to a local hospital, where the doctors fixated hardware to heal her fractured arm and femur. Now, the bones are united, and she needs to remove the hardware. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On April 25th, Srey Neth will undergo a hardware removal procedure that will help her improve mobility and allow her to engage in everyday activities without pain. CSC is requesting $304 to fund her procedure. Srey Neth contributed $100 to her care. Srey Neth said: "After surgery, I want to walk and use my arm normally again and without pain"

Kop is a loving grandmother from Phnom Penh. She is 68 years old, married, and has six children - three sons and three daughters - and ten grandchildren. Her life now revolves around her grandchildren, who are her pride and joy. Kop used to sell fish at the market until, she shared, she became too old to do so. Her children also support her financially. In her free time, she loves listening to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Kop developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty cleaning the house or using the stove to cook due to her limited vision. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is unable to go out on her own. When Kop learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled there hoping for treatment. Fortunately, the doctors at CSC were able to quickly diagnose Kop's cataract and created a treatment plan. On July 13th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to help fund this procedure. Kop said, "After the surgery, I hope to see better and would like to sell Khmer cheese. That way, I can earn some money for myself and help my family."

Maylin, who is 14 months old, lives with her parents and two older siblings in the mountains of central Bolivia. Her father is a truck driver, while her mother is a farmer and a homemaker. Maylin was born with Down syndrome and a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Maylin will need surgery to correct her cardiac defect. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to fund Maylin's surgery, which is scheduled to take place on May 16th at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. This surgery will enable Maylin to lead a healthy and happy life. Maylin's mother said: "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping our daughter get better!"

Ronald is a hard working student. He comes from a family of five, and both his parents are small-scale farmers. They currently live in a rental house with two rooms, and Ronald is the oldest of three children, all of whom are in school. Due to financial constraints, his parents have been unable to seek medical treatment for their son until now. The family is appealing for financial support to help cover the cost of their son's surgery and improve his overall well-being. Since April last year, Ronald has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area. The swelling causes discomfort and disfigurement. The pain makes it difficult for him to walk to school, and once in school, he is unable to play with other children or concentrate in class. If left untreated, he could develop an infected hydrocele, which could lead to future risks. Fortunately, on April 12th, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $146 to fund Ronald's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ronald's father says, “I will be grateful when my son is treated with your support as he will be able to continue with school.”

Vin is a playful two-year-old toddler from Cambodia who lives with his parents in Phnom Penh. His mother is a homemaker, while his father earns a living loading and unloading boats on the river. When Vin was an infant, his hands were burned by a fire when his mother was cooking. His parents took him to a local hospital for care, but burn scar contractures developed, tightening the skin on his hands and fingers. It is difficult for him to use his hands to hold objects or play with his friends. Vin's parents brought him to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, seeking help. On May 5th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform burn contracture release surgery. The doctors will remove the burned skin and cover the damaged area with a skin graft. This surgery will enable Vin to use his fingers easily Now, he and his family need your help to fund this $495 procedure. Vin's mother said: "We hope that the scar will release, and he will be able to move his fingers."

Mon, a homemaker and devoted mother to a four-year-old daughter, works part-time as a waitress while her husband earns a living as a motorcycle taxi driver. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends during her free time. Last year in September, Mon began experiencing a hard abdomen and uncomfortable bloating. If she overeats, she has difficulty breathing and feels pain. Following a diagnosis of a right ovarian cyst, she has been recommended to undergo an oophorectomy, a surgical procedure aimed at removing her ovaries. Fortunately, Mon is scheduled to undergo her oophorectomy on June 15th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, requests $913 to cover her procedure and care costs so she can heal. Mon said, “It’s good that you save so many people with the same condition. Not many can save lives like this.”

Ky is a 62-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Thom province. She has six sons and five grandchildren. Currently, she lives with her third son, a construction worker. Since her vision problems developed, she has not gone to work in the rice fields. Instead, she helps care for her grandchildren and, in her free time, she likes to listen to monks chanting on the radio. One year ago, Ky developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her cloudy vision and sensitivity to light. 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 Ky learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On March 27th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and 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. She said, "I hope my eyesight can improve so I can work and take care of my family."

Lin is a 42-year-old tuk tuk driver from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is married with one son and one daughter. Lin recently started driving a tuk tuk for a local app-based transportation company. In his free time, he likes to take walks with his family and listen to music on his phone. Ten years ago, Lin developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, he has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Lin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On September 6th, Lin will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Lin shared, "I hope, after surgery, my eye won't bother me so I can drive my tuk tuk more and support my family."

Edivinah is a 47-year-old widow from Uganda and a mother of one child. During high school, Edivinah sustained a long-term spinal injury following a strike at school. She works as a nurse but cannot practice currently due to her condition. For two years, Edivinah has been experiencing severe lower abdominal pain, backaches, and other worrisome symptoms. This condition makes it challenging for her to move and practice as a nurse, thus impacting her ability to earn a living for herself and her daughter. Edivinah's condition has been diagnosed as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus, to heal. On September 5th, she will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Edivinah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain! Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $219 to fund Edivinah's surgery. Edivinah said, “I am really in your hands to have my condition treated in your favor. I will be very grateful as I resume my usual job to earn a living for me and my daughter.”