Sarun is a 72-year-old widow from Banteay Mean Chey province, Cambodia. She previously sold Chinese noodles for a living but has now stopped working because of her poor eyesight. Her husband passed away 20 years ago. She has two sons and two grandchildren. She currently lives with her oldest son, who works as a laborer harvesting potatoes. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the radio, especially monks praying, and attending ceremonies at the pagoda. About two years ago, Sarun developed a cataract in her left 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. She is unable to go places on her own. When Sarun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for 7 hours to seek treatment. On May 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Sarun said, "I hope that after surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can see clearly again, recognize people and surroundings easily, and return to selling Chinese noodles well."

Amriya is a seven-year-old girl from Ethiopia. Being the youngest of five children, this young student grew up in a lively home, surrounded by her three older brothers and her sister. With her mother managing the household and her father working as a driver, she was raised in a busy, loving environment. Since she was just one year old, Amriya has suffered from chronic tonsillitis. This persistent health struggle has become a major roadblock to her early education. Because the illness brings frequent, painful episodes, she often misses precious days in the classroom. When she is in school, the lingering discomfort makes it incredibly hard for her to concentrate on her lessons. Just as she should be building her academic foundation, she is forced to fight this constant, exhausting battle with her health. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Amriya, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Amriya of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Amriya's parents shared, "Our greatest hope is for our youngest daughter to finally enjoy a healthy, normal childhood where she can focus on learning without the constant shadow of illness holding her back."

Tennyson is a playful 11-year-old boy from Kenya. He is currently in grade 3 and loves drawing and playing with friends. His father is a construction worker, while his mother is a home maker. Tennyson has clubfoot of right foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. Tennyson was also born with a hearing impairment. His mother first noticed that his right foot was bending when he was three years old. “He struggled to walk and would often complain of pain, and as he grew, it only got worse,” she recalls. They sought help at a nearby hospital but were informed that the condition could not be treated there. With no clear solution, they returned home. As time passed, the condition worsened. The pain increased, Tennyson's foot began to swell, and walking became more difficult. Eventually, Tennyson had to stop going to school because he could no longer walk. One of his teachers grew concerned and reached out to the family. After learning about Tennyson’s condition, the teacher informed his mother about a mobile clinic by AIC CURE Hospital, where Tennyson could undergo a review. At the clinic, Tennyson was assessed and scheduled for serial casting and a clubfoot surgery. He has been undergoing the casting and is now ready for the repair surgery, which has been scheduled for May 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Tennyson's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his foot will gradually straighten and restore his ability to walk. Tennyson's mother says: “I am praying that his foot will be straightened, so that he can walk without pain, go back to school, and live like other children.”