Sitha is a 49-year-old coconut cake seller. Sitha is married and has one son and one daughter, both are students. Sitha enjoys watching funny videos on her phone. Two years ago, Sitha developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness and tearing. 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 and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. Sitha has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Sitha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Sitha needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. CSC is helping Sitha raise $225 to cover this procedures, medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Sitha says, "I hope after surgery my eye stops tearing and burning so I can do more and make my coconut cakes well."

Srey Ne is a 32-year-old woman who is married with two young daughters, aged 5 and 7-years-old. Srey Ne works in a factory, while her husband works in construction. She shared that she enjoys swimming and cooking for her family in her free time. For six months, Srey Ne has been experiencing knee pain. She managed the condition with medication at first, but in December, the pain became so severe that she went to a government hospital. Doctors diagnosed her condition as osteoporosis, but Srey Ne was unable to afford the recommended treatment. When she learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled to there for review. Doctors at CSC conducted a biopsy and histology and determined she has a giant cell tumor on her left knee that is growing. Currently, Srey Ne experiences pain and discomfort. Fortunately, surgeons at CSC can help Srey Ne finally heal. On February 18th, she will undergo excision and fibular flap surgery to remove the tumor and heal the wound. CSC is requesting $657 to fund this procedure, which is also subsidized by Srey Ne's co-pay that she was able to gather. Srey Ne says, "This treatment will help me return to work so I can support my family. I am looking forward to being free of pain and walking easily."

SokChea is a 57-year-old farmer. She and her husband farm their ancestral land; they have seven children who are all married and help them with the farming. She enjoys spending time with the family and cooking for her grandchildren. When SokChea was about ten years old, she developed chronic ear discharge from both ears. Sometimes she would experience headaches, dizziness, and ringing in her ears. The infection she had caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in both ears to perforate. Now she cannot communicate clearly with others because it is hard for her to hear. She shared that this feels embarrassing for her so she shies away from speaking with strangers. Also, the medications she has used are costly for the family. SokChea traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 10th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in both ears. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforations. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $913 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. "I hope that my hearing will improve and I won't have to spend money to keep buying ear drops," SokChea told us.