Sary is A 61-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a widow and lives with her oldest son. She and her son sell bread to support their family. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news and listening to monks' sermons. About seven years ago, Sary developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Sary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On March 5th, she will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Sary said, "I hope that after surgery, my eye will stop tearing and feeling irritated, so I will not worry about my eye anymore. I also hope to return to selling bread comfortably and continue my daily work."

Kena is eight-year-old energetic boy from Ethiopia. Kena is in the second grade and lives with his parents and his sister, but lately, his presence at school has been missed due to recurring bouts of tonsillitis. This chronic condition has temporarily sidelined him, pausing both his education and playtime. Two years ago, Kena began experiencing snoring, fever and recurring sore throats. This creates a difficult cycle of sick days that keeps him out of class and fun, active games he should be playing with his sister. He also experiences high fevers that keep coming back and a sharp, burning pain whenever he tries to swallow. This makes eating and drinking a daily struggle, often leaving him feeling completely exhausted and without energy. Kena was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Thankfully, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital can help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kena, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kena of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Kena says "I am so excited for the opportunity to get back to school and play with my friends. I really miss eating the snacks I love! Because of my tonsils, swallowing feels like a sharp fire, which makes eating feel like hard work. I know my mom and dad are worried, and I think the best part for them will be seeing me smile and run around with all my energy again."

Allan is 48 years old and a widower from the Philippines. He is an auto mechanic helper and takes on other casual jobs to support his children's education and daily needs. Alan noticed a swelling near his jaw, causing him pain and discomfort. His children were concerned and urged him to seek treatment to address his symptoms and prevent other complications. Doctors recommend a parotidectomy, the surgical procedure to remove all or part of the parotid gland, which is the major salivary gland located in front of and below your ear. On June 19th, Alan will undergo surgery, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is asking for help to raise $1,500 to fund his procedure and care. After treatment, Alan should be able to go back to work and support his family. Alan shared, "I am grateful for this opportunity to receive free treatment. I look forward to recovering so I can continue working and providing for my children."