Chea is a grandfather of nine from Kandal province in Cambodia. He is 76 years old and a retired farmer who used to grow vegetables and crops to support his family. He has three sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren. Since he stopped farming, his children have been supporting Chea and his wife. In his free time, Chea enjoys visiting the pagoda and participating in religious ceremonies. About two weeks ago, Chea developed a chalazion in his left eye, causing him eyelid swelling, pain, and itching. A chalazion is an inflamed cyst in a patient's tear gland. It is difficult for him to see clearly, which causes him discomfort. Chea traveled for two hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On May 27th, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Chea's symptoms should improve. Chea can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Chea said, " I hope that the swelling in my eye will completely stop so that I no longer have to worry about it. I will be very happy if I can return to growing vegetables around my house and continue living a peaceful and active life."

Maismak is 46 years old and a mother of one from Cambodia. She lives on the outskirts of Phnom Penh with her husband. They have a small food stall, selling breakfast. Together, they are raising their 13-year-old daughter, who is currently studying in grade 6. In her free time, she goes to the local market to buy fresh ingredients to prepare breakfast. Five months ago, Maismak had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Maismak experiences pain, hearing loss, and constant ringing in her ear. This makes it difficult for her to hear clearly and communicate comfortably with others in her daily life, including customers and family members. Maismak traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 12th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Maismak can controbute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs $263 to fund this procedure to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Maismak said, “I worry about my hearing getting worse. I hope after surgery, I will be able to listen, communicate, and live normally without discomfort.”

Melau is an eight-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the fifth child in a large family, and her parents depend on livestock and farming for income. Access to specialized care has been limited due to distance and cost. When she was younger, Melau accidentally got burned by hot milk. She now has a severe burn scar affecting her right wrist and hand. The injury led to deep burns and later severe tightening of the scar, leaving her wrist stiff and her hand function reduced. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Melau receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give her a chance for improved independence and daily function. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Melau's father says, “Her wrist is very tight and painful, and she cannot use her hand normally for playing or helping at home.”