Luciano is an eight-year-old student from Colombia. He is an outgoing, intelligent, and very affectionate boy who stands out for being extremely responsible and level-headed in everything he does. He has a unique spark that fills his entire family with pride and love, and in his heart he holds a big dream: to become a professional soccer player when he grows up. A year ago, Luciano was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. He needs surgery to correct it and prevent potential future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents one from carrying out daily activities. Fortunately, on September 18th, Luciano will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luciano's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Luciano's mother said, "I am writing this message with a heart full of gratitude. I want to sincerely thank you for your invaluable help and for making it possible for children like mine to have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. For us, as single mothers, not having the financial resources for these procedures is very difficult, and people with your generosity are a beacon of hope. May God reward you for your kindness!"

Neang is a 61-year-old loving grandmother from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. She is married with two daughters, five sons, and 20 grandchildren. She lives with her husband, a retired assistant of the commune, and they are supported financially by their children. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks praying on the radio. About one year ago, Neang 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, so is not able to go places on her own. When Neang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 13th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Neang needs help to fund this $263 procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve so I can easily recognize my relatives, travel to distant places, and comfortably manage my housework."

Kry is a 68-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a retired textile handicraft worker. She is a widow, as her husband died in a land mine 43 years ago. She has one son and three grandchildren. She lives in the pagoda, likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio, and read books. About two years ago, Kry 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, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Kry learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled three hours to seek treatment. On September 7th, 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. She can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund her procedure and care. Kry said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can go out and recognize my relatives, read my books, and join ceremonies at the pagoda."