Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Lin is a 35-year-old fish seller from Prey Veng province. He is married and has one son and one daughter. He lives together, his wife is also a fish seller, and his children are students. In his free time, he likes to listen to the news on his phone and play volleyball. About one year ago, Lin developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience 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 clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Lin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On June 10, 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. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Lin said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I can go back to selling fish well again, and I can drive my motorcycle and bring my children to school easily, and can go far places well."

Pheareak is a 39-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his elderly parents and four siblings. He is the third of five children. His older brother is a chef, his older sister sells vegetables, his younger brother works for a company, and his youngest sister stays at home. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and watching the news on his phone In 2015, Pheareak was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture of his left femur. He underwent several procedures to repair the fracture, including fixation and later revision surgery. Unfortunately, the fracture became complicated by an infection, requiring further treatment with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). After recovering, he was able to walk well and continued with his daily life for several years. Two months ago, Pheareak began experiencing increasing pain in his left thigh and knee after trying to bend his knee. His left leg gradually became weaker, and he eventually lost the ability to walk. He now relies on a wheelchair and has limited movement in his left knee. A recent X-ray revealed another fracture of his left femur. Fortunately, CSC can help Pheareak. On September 1st, Pheareak will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize and realign his left femur and give the bone a better chance to heal, helping him regain strength and mobility so he can walk and return to his normal daily activities. His family can contribute $1000, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Pheareak said, “I hope this surgery will help my leg heal properly and allow me to walk again without pain. I want to regain my strength and return to my normal daily activities.”