Som Oeun is a 56-year-old man from Cambodia. He sells coffee in front of a factory in Phnom Penh. He is married and has three sons and one grandchild. He lives with his wife, who sells groceries, and with his youngest son, who is a student. He likes to listen to the news on his small radio. About three years ago, Som Oeun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. Som Oeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On August 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Som Oeun shared, "I hope that after surgery, my eye can see better so I can go back to selling and I can drive the motorbike to go far places well and I don’t worry about my eyes anymore."

German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.

Samnang is a 43-year-old clothing seller from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Phnom Penh with his wife and their three children. Their eldest child is in Grade 9, their second in Grade 6, and their youngest in Kindergarten. He enjoys chatting with friends and helping his children learn. On October 21st, 2026, Samnang was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused a closed fracture of his right proximal tibia, the upper part of his shinbone near the knee. The injury affected blood flow to his right leg, requiring external fixation to stabilize the fracture and a fasciotomy to relieve pressure. Although blood flow improved after the initial surgery, he still needs further treatment for his fracture and surgical wound. His injury makes it difficult to move around comfortably and return to his daily activities and work as a clothing seller, affecting his ability to earn an income and support his family. Samnang is scheduled for surgery on October 26th with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged tissue as needed, close the surgical wound, and promote proper healing. This is an important step in his recovery and will help prepare his right leg for continued treatment following the fracture. He can contribute $50, but needs help raising $367 to help fund his procedure and care. Samnang shares, “I hope my wound heals well and my right leg gets better. I want to be able to stand and walk comfortably again, return to my work as a seller, and go back to my normal daily life. I hope I can recover my independence and take care of my responsibilities again.”