Yadesa is an 80-year-old man from Ethiopia. He is a retired merchant who spent his life working hard and building an independent life. Since the deeply sad loss of his beloved wife, he has found comfort and support by moving in with one of his two brothers. One year ago, Yadesa developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision and burning sensation. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. For a man who spent his whole life actively connecting with the world through buying and selling, this slow darkening of his sight is truly heartbreaking. It has made it incredibly hard for him to talk and spend time with his loved ones, enjoy the world around him, and hold onto the dignity and independence that have always defined who he is. Fortunately, Yadesa 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, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Yadesa shared, "I hope to regain the independence I so deeply miss, allowing me to navigate my home and enjoy the company of my brother with newfound ease and confidence."

Kun is a 62-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who is also a rice farmer. They have five children, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. Their children visit often and provide support. In his free time, he enjoys listening to monks chanting and praying. Kun suffered a fracture dislocation of his right hip on May 5th, 2026, after falling off a motorcycle while going downhill. The injury has caused severe pain that worsens with movement. He is unable to walk and is currently confined to a wheelchair, making it difficult for him to care for himself and carry out daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 11th, Kun will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help restore proper alignment of his hip, relieve pain, and improve his mobility. This treatment will allow him to walk again, regain independence, and return to spending time with his family and daily life activities. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 for his procedure and care. Kun said, “After the surgery, I hope that I will regain my strength and mobility so I can care for myself and spend time with my family again.”

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.