San is a 63-year-old widow and a retired rice farmer. She lives with her younger daughter in Kandal province in Cambodia. San has one other daughter, one son, and three grandchildren. She stays at home most days caring for her grandchildren, or listening to the radio. During the banana season, she fries tropical bananas to sell on the roadside, to earn some money for her daughter, who works in a local clothing factory. One year ago, San developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, itchiness, and the inability to see well in bright or low sunlight. As a result of her impaired vision, San is reluctant to go out on her own. When San learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours to seek treatment. On March 8th, doctors will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, San will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. San said, "I hope after my operation that I will be able to see well so I can cook Khmer cakes and fried bananas to sell. I want to help support my daughter's family."

Nom is a 64-year-old widow. She is a retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom province, living with a daughter since her husband passed away ten years ago. She has two daughters from her long marriage to her husband - one is a rice farmer, one works in construction, and they have given her five beautiful grandchildren. At home most of the day, she likes to listen to the monks chant on the radio, or visit the local Buddhist centre. Five years ago, Nom developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty keeping her balance. 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 Nom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 3rd, doctors will perform small incision 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 $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope after surgery I can see better. I want to help my daughter take care of my grandchildren and do housework to help her."

Cyrus is an energetic young boy from Kenya. He completed his national exam last month. Cyrus is the 2nd born of a family of five children. The 1st born is 17 years, while the last born is in grade 2. His mom is a single parent, who is currently unemployed and working small jobs that she can get to make ends meet. She has been taking care of the five children by herself with no consistent source of income. He lives in single rental room which they pay $15 per month. His mother was referred to our medical partner's BethanyKids Hospital by a local doctor in a nearby facility to correct the condition. They came to BethanyKids and the doctor examined him, he has recommended surgery. This surgery will enable him to live a normal life like other children urinating properly. Cyrus was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and infertility. Fortunately, Cyrus is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 4th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $847 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Cyrus's mother says, “This condition will affect his self-esteem. He already feels low and sad because of the condition.”