Chantha is a 37-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with his wife, who works in a garment factory. Together, they are raising two children; their eldest is in Grade 6, and their youngest is 4 years old. In his free time, Chantha enjoys drinking coffee and chatting with his friends in the village. About three years ago, Chantha developed tuberculosis of his right ankle, which caused swelling, redness, and severe pain. Although he completed a full course of tuberculosis treatment and the infection was cured, it left his right ankle joint permanently damaged. Since then, he has continued to suffer from pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. He now relies on crutches to get around, making it difficult to work, care for his family, and carry out everyday activities. When Chantha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 14th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his right ankle joint and to relieve his pain, improve the stability of his ankle, and help him stand and walk more comfortably so he can return to his daily life with greater independence. Chantha can contribute $50, but needs help raising $561 more to fund his procedure and care. Chantha said, “My greatest wish is to wake up one day without this ankle pain. I hope this surgery will help me move freely again and return to the activities I have missed.”

Lydia is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious meals as a way to sustain a longer and healthier life for herself. She also enjoys watching television to relax. Above all, she remains grateful for the support of her children and does her best to manage her needs while being mindful of their own responsibilities. A year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lydia receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Lydia's procedure and care. Lydia said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I hope to recover so I can move more comfortably, care for myself better, and lessen the burden on my children."

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."