Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”

Yoeun is a 59 year-old mother of six. She lives in Takeo province, where she works as a rice farmer. Yoeun lives with her husband, who has recently retired from the army, and one of their younger sons, who works in administration for a local business. In her free time, Yoeun enjoys watching Cambodian dramas and listening to the monks pray on the radio. About three months ago, Yoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. When Yoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 1st, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can recognize my family and the other villagers."

San is a 63-year-old widow and a retired rice farmer. She lives with her younger daughter in Kandal province in Cambodia. San has one other daughter, one son, and three grandchildren. She stays at home most days caring for her grandchildren, or listening to the radio. During the banana season, she fries tropical bananas to sell on the roadside, to earn some money for her daughter, who works in a local clothing factory. One year ago, San developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, itchiness, and the inability to see well in bright or low sunlight. As a result of her impaired vision, San is reluctant to go out on her own. When San learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours to seek treatment. On March 8th, doctors will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, San will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. San said, "I hope after my operation that I will be able to see well so I can cook Khmer cakes and fried bananas to sell. I want to help support my daughter's family."