Genesis is a 14-year-old girl from a city in central Bolivia. She is in eighth grade and lives with her mother, who raises her independently. Her mother works as a food vendor. Genesis' father passed away when she was younger. In her free time, she enjoys art and music. When Genesis was younger, she was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta, a condition in which a major artery connected to the heart is too narrow to operate properly. When she was younger, doctors felt that the condition was not severe enough to operate; as she has grown older, however, she has felt weaker become increasingly tired, so surgery is necessary. Fortunately, our medical partners, The International Cardiac Alliance can help. Genesis is scheduled to undergo Congenital Cardiac surgery on March 21st. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund her procedure. After surgery, Genesis should make a full recovery. Genesis said, "I am hopeful that after my surgery I will feel stronger and have more energy to do things."

Penh is a loving grandmother from Kandal province. With three sons and one daughter, she has lived with her youngest son and his family since a divorce from her husband forty years ago. Formerly a farmer cultivating vegetables and rice, she is now trying to enjoy her retirement. Her days are occupied with looking after her grandchildren and preparing meals for the family. Occasionally, she finds comfort in visiting the nearby pagoda to listen to the monks chant. About four years ago, Penh developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her distress, as she struggles with the inability to see, do housework, or participate in the ceremonies at the pagoda. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind or dust and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. When Penh learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Penh needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 2nd. Penh shared: "I feel bad because I cannot see and cannot take care of myself or do housework. I hope I can be better after my operation."

Vun is a 64 year-old loving grandmother. She lives in Prey Veng province with her husband. Both of them are retired rice farmers and their four children help support them by working in factories. Vun loves spending time with her eleven grandchildren and volunteering at the local temple. About five months ago, Vun 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 is not able to go places on her own. When Vun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 4th, doctors will perform a small incision 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 I can see better and be able to recognize my grandchildren."