Somaly is a grocery seller from Cambodia. She is married and has one son who is in 6th grade. Somaly sells goods from her house in Phnom Penh and her husband works as a motorcycle taxi driver. She enjoys watching Khmer dramas on TV. Life has become more difficult since five years ago when Somaly developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itching, tearing, and discomfort. 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 and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing friends, working, and going places on her own. When Somaly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour by tuk tuk with her sister seeking treatment. Somaly needs 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for November 19th. Somaly said, "I hope my eye heals so I can help my husband earn money to support our family."

Neth lives with her mother, who is a rice farmer. Her parents divorced 24 years ago, and her father lives elsewhere. Neth has six siblings. She works hard to help support her family, but in her free time, she likes listening to music, doing exercises, and watching comedies on TV. Five months ago, Neth was in a car accident and injured her right hip. She was taken to a local government hospital where they determined she had a compression fracture. Now, Neth cannot stand or walk without crutches and is experiencing on-going pain. Fortunately, she was referred to Watsi's Medical Partner CSC for treatment. The doctors at CSC will perform a decompression surgery in order to re-join the fracture, heal her nerve damage, and free her from her pain. Once Neth fully recovers from the procedure, she will be able to walk easily again. Neth said, "Since this accident, I have been so worried about my mom and brothers and sisters since they have little support. I hope I can walk again quickly after this surgery, so I can work again and sell groceries."

Eth is a 55-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She is married with three sons and one daughter. She lives with her children and grandchildren. Everyone in the family works during the day and at night, Eth likes to listen to the radio news. Five years ago, Eth developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her to experience blurry vision. About two years ago, her vision started to deteriorate severely. When Eth learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 1st, doctors will perform Phacoemulsification (Phaco) 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. Eth said, "I hope after surgery I can see better. I want to continue my working in my field planting the rice. It's hard for me to do anything I like now, like playing with my grandchildren or cooking for my family." Her husband added, "I don't want to worry more about her sight getting bad. I hope that she will be able to see better and recognize me and our family. She will be able to work with me again too."