Sim is a 76-year-old widow from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. She previously worked as a rice farmer and is now retired. She has four sons, four daughters, and twenty-two grandchildren. She lives alone in a house near her youngest daughter, who works in a garment factory. Her children provide support when needed. In her free time, Sim enjoys listening to the radio and listening to monks' prayers. Three years ago, Sim 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 Sim learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 8th, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Sim shared, "I hope that after cataract surgery, my vision will improve so that I can recognize her relatives easily, go outside and travel to more distant places independently, and no longer worry about my eyesight."

Robert is a 23-year-old casual labourer from Uganda. Due to financial challenges during his childhood, he was not able to finish school and therefore has limited employment opportunities. His parents are small-scale farmers and do not have the means to help him with his medical needs. About two months ago, Robert began to experience sharp abdominal pain that was so severe that he was rushed to a nearby clinic. He was referred to a larger hospital, where doctors discovered a large abdominal mass. Though doctors recommended surgery, Robert was unable to afford it and was given pain medication. As time has gone on, his condition has continued to deteriorate, and he is no longer able to work, which has forced him to move back in with his parents. Fortunately, one of his uncles decided to travel with Robert to our partner’s medical care centre, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Robert’s surgery will take place on November 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $242 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Robert shared, “All I request is your support. With it, I will be operated on and will get back on my feet. I have suffered enough pain, and all I ask of you is to save me.”

Heang is a 70-year-old woman from Cambodia. She used to sell vegetables at the market, but she has stopped working. She lives with her older sister and her nephew, who works as a trailer driver and supports their living expenses. For fun, she likes to go for walks and exercise. About three months ago, Heang developed a cataract in her right 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 Heang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On August 3rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Heang shared, "I hope my eye surgery will restore my sight so I can recognize my relatives, travel to places further away, and no longer worry about my eyes."