Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse 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, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.

Sivchov is an 11-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Siem Reap Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is in the seventh grade and is the third child of four siblings. His older brother works as a construction worker, his sister is in Grade 9, and his youngest brother is in Grade 2. He enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. His favorite subject is mathematics, and he hopes to become a teacher when he grows up. Sivchov was born with a left arm weakness caused by a difficult delivery, which damaged the nerves controlling the movement of his left arm. 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. The injury causes weakness and limited movement of his left arm. He has difficulty lifting and controlling his arm, using his hand, extending his fingers, writing, carrying objects, and performing daily activities independently. Sivchov traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On July 20th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery, which will improve the movement and function of his left arm. It will help him use his arm more effectively for daily activities, improve his ability to hold objects, and allow him to become more independent. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $737 to fund this procedure. Sivchov's mother said, “I hope this surgery will give my son a better chance to use his left arm. I want him to study, play, and grow up with confidence like other children.”

Chanthy is a 35-year-old father and excavator driver from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Thom province with his wife and their three children. His eldest child is in Grade 7, his second child is in Grade 3, and their youngest is just one month old. His wife stays at home to manage the household and care for the children, but the family faces many challenges and struggles to make ends meet, especially with a newborn to look after. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends in the village. Three days ago, Chanthy had an accident when an excavator rolled over his leg as he was helping his neighbor whose truck was stuck in the mud. He has a severe wound on his left lower leg, is experiencing intense pain, and is unable to walk, which makes it difficult for him to care for himself and support his family. When Chanthy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound, reduce pain, and restore his ability to walk and use his leg normally. Chanthy can contribute $50, but needs help raising $367 more to fund his procedure and care. Chanthy said, “The pain is so strong that I can’t walk, and it has been very hard for me and my family. I hope that with this treatment, my leg will heal so I can stand and take care of my children again.”