Yon is a 68-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, and they have a son, two daughters, and five grandchildren. In his free time, he likes to listen to the news and monks on his phone. About one year ago, Yon developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract clouds the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing clearly, including colors and faces, and worries about falling when walking, so he cannot go places on his own. Yon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On October 30th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Yon can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 for his procedure and care. Yon shared, "I hope that after surgery, I can see clearly and go back to work. I hope I don't have to worry about my eye anymore."

Hector is a secondary school teacher from Malawi. He is married and has four children. To support his family, he works part-time. He traveled from Blantyre to Lilongwe seeking assistance for a surgical procedure known as an ileostomy reversal. Twelve months ago, Hector began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with bowel obstruction. He subsequently underwent surgery and was advised to return after three months for reversal of the stoma. Unfortunately, this did not materialize due to limited access to surgical support. Since then, Hector has endured significant physical, social, and emotional hardship. Living with a stoma for an extended period has affected his ability to eat and sleep comfortably. He frequently experiences discharge, which has impacted him socially and in his community. As a result, he shared that he has felt isolated, lonely, and psychologically distressed. When Hector learned that Partners in Hope (PIH) was supporting patients requiring surgery, he decided to travel to Lilongwe in search of assistance. His greatest desire was to undergo ileostomy reversal surgery and regain the comfort, dignity, and peace of mind he once enjoyed. By the time he sought support, five months had passed since he had become due for reversal surgery. Fortunately, on September 28th, Hector was reviewed by a surgeon at our medical partner PIH, who confirmed his condition and emphasized the importance of proceeding with the ileostomy reversal, but he would need financial support. An ileostomy reversal is a surgical procedure that reconnects the bowel and restores the pathway for the passage of stool after a temporary stoma has been created. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,244 to fund Hector's surgery. On October 2nd, he will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. "I can see my life going down as time passes by. I came all the way from Blantyre because I trusted your support. Kindly help me get better so I can continue supporting my family," shared Hector.

Paw is a 23-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and son in a refugee camp in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong, Thailand. Her husband is a day labourer outside of the camp. She is a homemaker and primarily cares for her son at home. Her husband's income is just enough to cover their daily expenses, and they receive free basic healthcare in the camp. Paw is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of 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 August 11th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw said, "In the future, I hope to work outside of the camp like my husband when my children are older, with the support of my parents-in-law, who have offered to help care for my children."