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.

Dorothy is a one-year-old girl from Uganda. She is the youngest of seven children. Her parents are small-scale farmers. Dorothy was brought to our medical partner's care center, Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital, with a swelling around her umbilical area. Initially, the swelling was small and painless, so the family did not consider it a serious health concern. However, over the past two months, the swelling gradually increased in size, and three weeks ago, Dorothy started to experience pain. She was taken to the hospital and given treatment, but unfortunately, her condition continued to worsen. The pain became severe, making it difficult for her to breastfeed. She also began crying persistently, causing great concern and distress to her mother. Dorothy has an umbilical hernia and needs surgery to address her symptoms. Fortunately, on November 3rd, she will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund her procedure and care. Dorothy's mother says, "I am very happy and grateful to be connected to this program because I cannot manage to raise money for the operation of my daughter. I kindly request donors to consider my appeal. After surgery, I will continue farming activities and working hard to support my family.

Heang is a 70-year-old woman from Cambodia. She used to sell vegetables at the market, but she has stopped working. She lives with her older sister and her nephew, who works as a trailer driver and supports their living expenses. For fun, she likes to go for walks and exercise. About three months ago, Heang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Heang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On August 3rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Heang shared, "I hope my eye surgery will restore my sight so I can recognize my relatives, travel to places further away, and no longer worry about my eyes."