Saran is a 55-year-old rice farmer who is married with one son, three daughters, and three grandchildren. He and his wife live with their youngest daughter who is a student. Unfortunately, due to chronic eye irritation and sensitivity to light, he is unable to work in the rice field. At home, he likes to listen to the monks pray and the news on the radio. Six years ago, Saran developed a pterygium in his right eye causing him irritation, tearing, and difficulty seeing in bright lights. 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. When Saran learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On September 13th, Saran 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 $216 which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Saran shared, "I hope my eye gets well after surgery. I can go back to the rice field again to help my wife and can plant vegetables near our house to earn money for my daughter's studying."

Mary is a jovial 52-year-old community health volunteer. Sadly, her husband has passed away and she cares for their five children on her own. Mary is one of the Community Health Volunteers at a local care center, which allows her to make a small living and meet her family's needs. For two years, Mary has been experiencing lower abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness and an enlargement of her abdomen. In September, the pain became more severe and she visited a local hospital for examination. She has been diagnosed with multiple fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, or a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Mary to receive treatment. On October 8th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH's care center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, she needs help raising $755 to fund her procedure and care. Mary shared, "I have no one to turn to for help. I would appreciate any support for this operation so that I can overcome this problem and get back to my work and also continue to care for my children."

Y Chhean is a 13-year-old seventh grade student. He has two siblings, and his parents are rice farmers. At school, he likes reading. In his free time after his studies, he likes to play football with his friends. A month ago, Y Chhean developed a chalazion in his right eye, causing him swelling, irritation, and pain. A chalazion is an inflamed cyst in a patient's tear gland. It is difficult for him to see clearly and study, and he is embarrassed about how his eye looks. Y Chhean traveled for two and a half hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On September 3rd, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Y Chhean's symptoms should improve. He needs help raising $187 to fund this procedure. "I hope after surgery my eye will be better, and I can see clearly," says Y Chhean. "I want to be able to read and play football with my friends."