Vuthy is a 55-year-old construction worker from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and three sons, who all earn their living working in local construction projects. About one year ago, Vuthy's right eye was injured when a piece of cement flew into it. Additionally, he developed a cataract in the same eye, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Vuthy has been experiencing hypersensitivity to light, tearing and discomfort. Because his vision is impaired, he is no longer able to work. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Vuthy receive treatment. On April 2nd, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in Vuthy's right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly, enabling him to return to work, and engage in his day-to-day activities. Now, Vuthy needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Vuthy says, "I hope that after surgery, I will be able to see more clearly and go back to work. I am worried that I cannot support my family if I am unable to work."

Alazar is a sweet boy from Ethiopia. He is the seventh child in his family. Five of the children are girls and two are boys. He loves to sing songs, go to church, try martial arts, and drink juice. His dad is diabetic and his condition causes him to faint often. He has government health insurance and gets treatment in a local government hospital. Because of his condition, Alazar's dad cannot work. His mom makes traditional bread and sells it on the street to feed her children. She makes her bread by firewood and this makes it hard for her to always have the smoke of the wood making the bread. She is the only one who works for income in their family, but her older children help with housework. They bring water from the spring carrying it on their back. She proudly sends all her children to school. Alazar underwent an earlier colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but colostomies are usually temporary and may call for closure. In Alazar's case, his colostomy requires closure in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,009 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Alazar. The surgery is scheduled to take place on January 9th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Alazar's mom said: “After he gets the treatment and heals I will praise my Lord. I will tell everyone who knows me about the hand of God. I did ask God ‘to heal my baby. You gave me this child; don’t take it away from me. I always cry and pray.’ I hope God has heard my prayer leading me to you. I will go to my church and testify what God did to all community in the church.”

Michael is a 14-year-old boy from Kenya. He is in high school and is the only child in the family. He is being raised by his single mom, who washes clothes to earn a living. Michael was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Michael has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Michael will receive assistance from our medical partner, the African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 27th. AMHF is requesting $646 to cover his procedure and care costs. Michael’s mother says, “I hope my boy will get to live his full life.”