Som is a 58-year-old homemaker from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Thom Province with her husband and her second child, who is a rice farmer. She has four married children who live nearby with their own families. She enjoys going to the pagoda and listening to monks pray in her free time. About two months ago, Som noticed a lump on the left side of her neck. Although it was not painful, it gradually became more noticeable and caused a feeling of fullness, especially when swallowing. Som visited our medical partner's care center, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where she was diagnosed with a left cystic thyroid goiter. The lump causes discomfort and tightness in her neck when swallowing, making her anxious about her health and concerned that it may continue to grow. On July 15th, surgeons will remove the mass. Som's family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $244 more to fund her procedure and care. Som said, “I have been worried since I noticed the lump on my neck. I hope after the surgery, I will feel comfortable again and no longer be concerned every time I swallow.”

U Sanda is a 32-year-old monk from Burma. He has been a monk for over 15 years, and lives with other monks at a monastery. He does not earn an income, and relies on food donated at the monastery by local people. When he becomes ill, his best friend helps cover the cost of his basic medical treatment. U Sanda was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. U Sanda is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 21st at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital to correct his atrial septal defect, and improve his quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of U Sanda's procedure and care. U Sanda said, “All of the costs of my previous investigations were covered by my best friend. If BCMF and the donors do not help me, I would choose to suffer rather than continue receiving treatment, because I know the cost is very expensive.”

Yoeut is a 69-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is an widow, with two sons, three daughters and 10 grandchildren. She lives with her third daughter who is a rice farmer. In her free time, Yoeut likes to attend ceremonies at the pagoda. About three months ago, Yoeut 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 Yoeut learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, 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. Yoeut is contributing to her treatment but needs to raise an additional $238 for the procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, and I won't have to worry about my condition anymore. I look forward to joining the ceremonies, recognizing my relatives, and be able to do housework."