Srey Touch is a 44-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two daughters, three sons, and an infant grandchild. She enjoys spending time with her family at home and cooking for everyone. In her free time, Srey Touch reads the news on Facebook and watches Cambodian dramas on TV. About ten years ago, Srey Touch developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her to experience 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, leading the cells to grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result of this condition, Srey Touch has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Srey Touch learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On February 8th, Srey Touch will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. CSC is requesting $225 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Srey Touch said: "I hope, after surgery, my eye will stop feeling irritated and I can go back to my job and my family without being uncomfortable."

Chhoum Malay is a widow and loving mom to four sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a seller at a local coffee shop in Phnom Penh. Chhom Malay lost her husband about ten years ago when he passed away from a brain tumor, so she now helps her daughter with the housework and cooking. In the evening, she likes to watch dramas on their TV. Seven months ago, Chhoum Malay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing and trouble seeing to eat or drink in low light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Chhoum Malay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform small incision 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 $253 procedure. Chhoum Malay's daughter said: "After surgery, we hope my mother can see well again, go outside by herself, and help me with housework."

Piseth lives with his mother and two siblings in Kampong Cham province. He shared that his father is not in his life. Both his younger brother and sister work in construction. Before his tragic accident, he was also employed in construction and enjoyed playing football with his friends. In April 2023, he was involved in a high-speed motorbike collision, fracturing his right clavicle, right forearm, right femur, and right kneecap. He sought treatment at a local hospital, but after six months, he was unable to use his arm and hand due to paralysis and was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre at Kien Khleang. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to work and grapples with the challenges of this devastating injury, rendering him unable to use his arm or hand. The impact of this physical limitation has taken a toll on his emotional well-being, resulting in a significant state of depression. Piseth traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On February 2nd, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to be able to use his arm and hand again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund his procedure. Piseth shared: "I hope I can work with my hands again so I can support myself and not only rely on my family."