Koem Ang is a 74-year-old grandmother with one daughter who is a coffee seller. Koem Ang takes care of her two grandchildren at home. Two years ago, Koem Ang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. This has also made caring for her grandchildren so much more difficult. When Koem Ang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping to access treatment. On April 6th, 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 $229 procedure. Koem Ang says, "I hope I can see well so I can take care of myself and help my daughter sell coffee and do housework."

Justine is a 46-year-old mother of three who needs surgery to cure her thyroid condition. She used to be a teacher, but as a result of the pandemic, she lost her job. She now runs a business selling vegetables. Two years ago, Justine began to experience troubling symptoms, including neck swelling, coughing, difficulty breathing whenever she lies down to sleep, and heart palpitations when she walks at a high altitude or does strenuous work. She also experiences night sweats, and can barely carry anything on her head, which is a necessary part of her business. Justine was diagnosed with a bilateral goiter. She requires surgery to remove her thyroid, in order to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Justine to receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on June 14th at Karoli Lwanga Hospital in Nyakibale, and needs $252 to cover the costs of this procedure. Justine says: “I hope that after surgery, I will be free from pain, get healed, and will be able to continue with my business in good health.”

Sok Pha is a 54-year-old tailor living with her husband, a security guard, in Cambodia. She has three daughters and three grandchildren. At home, Sok Pha likes to listen to music and to watch movies on TV. Ten years ago, Sok Pha developed a non-cancerous growth in her left eye, causing tearing, irritation, and burning in her eye. This growth is a result of excessive sun damage, which caused cells to grow abnormally over the pupil in her left eye. Sok Pha has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Sok Pha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours to seek treatment. Sok Pha needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal cells, and to place a conjunctival graft on the surface of the cornea, to prevent a recurrence of this condition. Children's Surgical Centre is seeking $225, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Her procedure is scheduled for May 9th. Sok Pha says: "I hope after surgery I can see better so I can continue working as a tailor."