Thoeun is 75 years old and a loving grandmother from Cambodia. She plants rice and sells traditional Khmer desserts in her free time. She is married and has two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys attending ceremonies and visiting the pagoda. Five years ago, Thoeun developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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, wind, or dust and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Thoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 15th, Thoeun will undergo surgery to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $273 more to fund her procedure and care. Thoeun shared, "I hope that after the surgery, the irritation and tearing in my eyes will stop and my vision will improve. I would like to go back and sell Khmer desserts."

Sophen is a 40-year-old welder from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who runs a small grocery shop, and their three children, who are all students. During his free time, he enjoys helping his wife at the grocery shop and looking after their children. In February 2023, Sophen experienced an electrical burn. At the time, he was working as a construction worker and transporting a metal object when it came into contact with an electrical cable, injuring his hands and feet. Although he received treatment, his fingers are now bent and stiff, and he has difficulty moving his fingers and wrist. He also experiences pain and tingling or numbness in his hands, which affect his ability to work and perform everyday tasks. He needs to undergo a tendon and nerve repair procedure to help regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sophen receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on October 22nd. This procedure will cost $701, and Sophen and his family need your support. Sophen said, “Since the accident, it has been difficult to use my hands, especially my left hand. I hope the surgery will help me move my fingers better, take care of myself, and return to work.”

Eunice is a 46-year-old woman from Uganda. She is one of 14 children and was raised by parents who worked as farmers. Eunice is married with one child, her husband works as a teacher at a private school while she works as a cleaner at a health center. She also enjoys making baskets and knitting tablecloths, which provide an outlet for her creativity and resourcefulness. Four years ago, Eunice began experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding. Initially, she experienced irregular, prolonged, and heavy menstrual bleeding. However, her symptoms worsened considerably over the past three months, and she is now experiencing severe abdominal pain, headaches, and dizziness, which are significantly affecting her physical well-being and ability to participate in daily activities and work. Eunice was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Upon medical examination, Eunice was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and persistent abnormal uterine bleeding. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $319 to fund Eunice's surgery. On November 2nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery, and once recovered, Eunice hopes to resume her daily activities with greater comfort and an improved quality of life. Eunice says, “Despite the pain and challenges I am going through, I remain hopeful that with support and proper treatment, I will regain my health, continue caring for my child, and return to my daily responsibilities. I kindly appeal for assistance to help me access the surgery I urgently need and have a chance to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.”