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.

Landese is a 37-year-old mother of two from Haiti. She lives with her husband and their two young boys in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Landese is a homemaker and enjoys going to church and playing games with her children in her free time. Landese has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of her heart was damaged by an infection she suffered earlier in life, and it can no longer open and shut properly to pump blood through her heart and body. This leads to heart failure and leaves her feeling weak and fatigued. Landese needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 4th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will either repair her damaged valve or, if unable to accomplish this, they will remove it and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing $12,000 to pay for the surgery. Landese's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medications, and check-up and follow-up appointments. This cost also covers securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner who will accompany Landese's family overseas. Landese said, "I am so glad to be able to have this surgery so I can be healthy and strong for my children!"

Both is a three-year-old kindergarten student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents in Kampong Cham Province and is the only child in the family. His father works as a car repairman, and his mother is a grocery seller. He enjoys reading and writing Khmer, playing with toy cars and balls, and eating fish sour soup. When he grows up, he hopes to become a doctor. For the past year, Both has been experiencing difficulty breathing, loud snoring during sleep, and difficulty eating. The condition affects his breathing, sleep, and eating. His frequent symptoms cause discomfort and may affect his overall health and daily activities. Both was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Both, which is scheduled to take place on June 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Both of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Both's mother stated, “After the surgery, I hope my child will be able to breathe normally, sleep better without snoring, and eat comfortably. I hope his health and quality of life will improve.”