Ham is a 59-year-old monk from Kandal province Cambodia. He is widowed with two daughters, five sons, and fifteen grandchildren. When his wife passed away ten years ago, Ham moved in with his oldest daughter and her family. After retiring from rice farming last year, he decided to move to the village pagoda and become a monk. In his spare time, he cares for the grounds of the temple, prays, and reads religious texts. About one year ago, Ham noticed the development of a cataract in his left eye. This condition involves the clouding of the lens, resulting in a view that resembles looking through a frosted or fogged-up window. The cataract has been causing Ham discomfort, including itchiness, tearing, and blurred vision. These symptoms have heightened his concern about the risk of falling while walking, making him hesitant to venture out alone. When Ham learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 1st, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Ham needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Ham shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can read the books at the pagoda and be able to go to town on my own."

Maly is a 62-year-old farmer from Kandal province who grows vegetables and mint with her husband. She and her husband have four children - two sons and two daughters. They also have two grandchildren. They live with their youngest daughter and son, who are both students. She likes to watch TV news and Khmer dramas in her free time. About five months ago, Maly developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Increasing irritation from the sun prevents her from working in the garden and she struggles with simple tasks around the house. When Maly learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Maly needs help raising $253 to fully fund this procedure. Maly shared, "I hope that after the surgery, I will be able to see clearly and farm vegetables with my husband. I don’t want to worry about my eyes anymore and I want to go out with confidence."

Ernesto is a widower and father of three from the Philippines. Ernesto enjoys watching TV and using his mobile phone during his free time. He is currently unemployed due to his condition and physical limitations as a senior citizen. He helps his children by taking care of his grandchildren and accompanying them to school every day. He lives with his second child and is dependent on his income as a driver. Six months ago, Ernesto began experiencing numbness in his foot and upper body. He was diagnosed with inguinal bilateral hernia and was advised to undergo surgery. On March 9th, Ernesto will have hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Ernesto's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ernesto shared, "I hope you can continue to help more people like us. I am very grateful and I will carry your kindness in me until my dying breath. Thank you very much."