Lat is a 64-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. She is married and has three sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren. She lives with her husband and her daughter, who is a student. She likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Lat developed a cataract in her right 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 Lat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 12th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Lat and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $188 more to fund the surgery. She says, "I hope that after surgery, I will be able to see better, so I can recognize relatives, and I can help my daughter with housework."

Reaksa is a 25-year-old soldier from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Takeo province with his elderly parents, who work as vegetable sellers at a local market. His wife works at a book factory. In his free time, he helps his wife with household work and grows vegetables around his home to support their daily living. Four months ago, Reaksa was involved in a traffic accident, causing paralysis of his right arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his right hand and sometimes feels pain in his arm and elbow. He has difficulty bending his elbow and using his hand for daily activities and work, which affects his ability to perform his military duties and support his family. Reaksa traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery on February 24th. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. After recovery, he will gain movement and strength in his right arm, reduce pain, and improve elbow and hand function. This will allow him to perform daily activities and return to work more comfortably. Reaksa's family can contribute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs help raising $637 to fund Reaksa's procedure and care. Reaksa said, “I hope this treatment will help my hand recover so I can work and support my family again.”

Seven-year-old Bontu lives with her parents in Ethiopia. As an only child, she is the light of her parent's life, and they would do anything for her. About two years ago, Bontu began experiencing fevers, pain, difficulty in swallowing and snoring. Since then, she is often unwell, and her mother constantly needs to stay with her, forgoing the chance to work and to earn money. Bontu's father works long hours as a manual laborer, trying to earn enough to sustain his family. Bontu has been diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, and she needs surgery to treat her condition. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Bontu, which is scheduled to take place on February 11th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Bontu of her symptoms, and helping her to live more comfortably. "We are so excited for this opportunity that will have our daughter attend school every single day, and play happily with her friends. Our hearts long to see her run and laugh without that constant, heavy exhaustion that has kept her so lonely and isolated for so long," said Bontu's parents.