Samol is a 49-year-old mother of one. She and her husband are proud of their daughter, who is currently a student in high school. Her husband is a taxi driver in the capital of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. When not cooking or caring for her family, she likes to watch Khmer movies on TV. Six months ago, Samol developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Samol learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 17th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract procedure 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 $229 procedure. "I hope after surgery I can see clearly again. I want to take better care of my daughter and my husband," Samol told us.

Koem Hen is a 57-year-old farmer. She's divorced and has one daughter, one son, and four grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who works as a garment worker. When she is not helping to care for her grandchildren, she enjoys listening to and watching movies on television. Three years ago, Koem Hen developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Koem Hen learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, 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 $229 procedure. Koem Hen shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I can go outside easily, and I will be able to return to the farm and recognize faces of the people I see."

Gorete is a farmer and a mother of five with three daughters and two sons. One daughter and her youngest son are teachers, while her other two daughters are farmers and her eldest son is a builder. Gorete shared that her husband passed ten years ago and left her a coffee and banana farm from which she earns a living and has been able to educate her children. However, the lockdown in Uganda has made it difficult for her son to work and help her mother raise funds for her treatment. Gorete has been experiencing swelling for twenty years; however, about three months ago, she also began to experience other symptoms, including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing while sleeping, and fatigue. She was diagnosed with an obstructing goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), is helping Gorete receive treatment. On January 4th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMHF's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMHF is requesting $252 to fund Gorete's surgery. Gorete shared, "I struggle to breathe while trying to sleep, which makes my nights so long. I cannot afford the treatment; please help me."