Youen is an 80-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is a widow, as her husband died during the Khmer Rouge. She has two sons, two daughters, and 15 grandchildren. She lives with her second daughter, who is a rice farmer. Yoeun likes to listen to monks' spiritual education over the radio. About one year ago, Youen 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 Youen learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to help fund her procedure and care. Youen said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I hope to easily recognize people and move more comfortably."

Paw is a 22-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, mother, sister, and brother. Her husband works as a nurse. Her mother is retired, and her brother volunteers at the clinic where her husband works. Her sister helps with the household work. Their total household income is not enough to cover their basic needs. Paw enjoys sewing in her free time. Paw is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Paw undergo a C-Section on October 5th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw shared, “Thank you so much for supporting me with the surgery cost. Without the donors’ support, it would be difficult financially for my family and me. May God bless the donors and BCMF for providing this support to me.”

Sarom is a 52-year-old widow from Cambodia, who works as a rice and vegetable farm laborer in Kandal province. Her husband passed away six years ago, and she now lives alone. She has two sons and one daughter with no grandchildren; her oldest son works as a company laborer, while her other two children are still students. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks chanting through her phone. Five years ago, Sarom 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 Sarom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sarom needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 4th. Sarom says: "After a successful surgery, I look forward to my vision greatly improving, so I can easily return to work and no longer worry about my eyes."