Siphon is a 69-year-old woman from Cambodia. She used to sell Khmer rice cakes in Phnom Penh. She lives with her husband, who currently cannot walk because he suffered a hip fracture after a fall. Siphon's favorite hobby is listening to monks chanting on her phone. About two years ago, Siphon developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Siphon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On June 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. She can contribute $75, but needs help raising $188 more to fund her procedure and care. Siphon said, "I have an age-related cataract and hope that after surgery, my vision will improve. Better eyesight will help me return to making and selling Khmer rice cakes, recognize my relatives more easily, and travel to places independently and safely."

For 54-year-old Kingsley, farming has always been an important part of his life. It is how he feeds his family, pays for daily needs, and provides for his wife and four children in Malawi. Every planting season has depended on the strength of his hands. But earlier this year, one unexpected moment changed everything. Kingsley was traveling in February when he was involved in a road traffic accident. Among the injuries he sustained, the most severe was his fractured right arm. He was admitted to hospital and began what he thought would be a short journey to recovery. Instead, it became months of moving from one health facility to another, searching for treatment that never seemed to come. Each hospital visit brought another referral, another delay, or another disappointment. His family spent what little they had on transport, consultations, and the cost of simply trying to find help. As the months passed, his arm failed to heal, and the frustration began to weigh heavily on him. It was Kingsley's eldest daughter, who works as a nurse, who finally encouraged him to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. There, an X-ray revealed that the broken bone had failed to heal. Doctors explained that he now requires Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery. During this procedure, the broken bone will be realigned and secured with metal plates and screws to encourage proper healing. Leaving the fracture untreated could result in permanent weakness, loss of function, chronic pain, and difficulty performing even simple daily activities. For a farmer whose livelihood depends on physical strength, surgery treatment will offer the best chance of regaining the use of his arm and returning to the work that supports his family. Hearing that surgery was finally possible filled Kingsley with relief, but it also came with another obstacle. After months of hospital visits and travel expenses, the family's savings had been exhausted. The treatment he had waited so long for was now beyond his financial reach. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare can help. Kingsley is scheduled for surgery on July 9th. He and his family need help raising $525 to fully fund the procedure. The surgery should allow the wound to finally heal so that he can return to his work of farming to support his family and live a more comfortable life. Kingsley shared, "I have waited a long time for someone to tell me there was still hope for my arm. I believe this surgery is my chance to work again, provide for my family, and live without the frustration I have carried since the accident. I am grateful that the donor program has given me hope when I thought I had run out of options."

Kelemua is a hardworking widow from Ethiopia who, at 80 years old, still supports her five sons by farming the land. However, she is losing her independence because of severe cataracts. Her vision is severely clouded, causing light sensitivity and making it difficult for her to move around safely. Her daily farm work and household chores now pose a risk of injury with her limited eyesight. And she is no longer able to contribute to the family’s income or do the work she loves. Two years ago, Kelemua developed a cataract in both eyes, causing her pain, blurry vision, and tearing. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Fortunately, Kelemua is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on June 10th, when surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly and resume her daily activities. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $300 to fund her procedure. "My greatest hope is to regain my sight so I can move around safely again. I miss working on the farm and helping out at home, and I want to get back to contributing to my family’s life," said Kelemua.