Ravin is a 13-year-old monk from Prey Veng province where his father is a construction worker and his mother is a homemaker. He has two younger brothers - a 6-year-old in grade one, and a 2-year-old not yet in school who stays home with their mother. He resides in the local temple, learning chanting, meditation, and the study of religious texts. When Ravin was just one year old, an unfortunate incident occurred where he accidentally plunged his hand into a fire, resulting in severe burns to his right hand and wrist. He had medical care at a nearby children's hospital. However, when he and his family returned for follow-up care, they faced a setback. The crucial paperwork from his initial treatment had gone missing, leading to a situation where the hospital declined to proceed with any additional necessary surgeries. He suffers from burn scar contracture on his right wrist which are deviated to the ulnar side, meaning his fingers are bent toward his little finger. His right fingers are webbed and he is unable to write, or grasp objects with his right hand. When Ravin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On January 29th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to help him use his hand again. Now, he needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Ravin said: "I hope my hand will be better and I can use my hand for writing after my surgery."

Kan is a retired rice farmer from Kandal province. He is the proud father of two daughters and three sons, and his family now includes ten grandchildren. Unfortunately, he experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his wife to stomach cancer several years ago. Presently, he resides with his youngest daughter and her family, finding comfort in their company. Since retirement, he has nurtured his spiritual side by frequenting the local pagoda. Over the years, he has become a wise mentor to young monks who seek his guidance. Six years ago, Kan developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him difficulty with his vision. He says he feels like something is always in his eye. It now covers his pupil and he cannot recognize friends and family. 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 Kan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two-and-a-half hours seeking treatment. Kan 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 his procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 2nd. Kan shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and stop irritation and I can read books and go to the pagoda by myself."

76-year-old Moyenda hails from a village in Lilongwe District. He has 12 children of whom 3 are in school and the rest are married in their respective homes. Moyenda had to leave primary school when he was young, therefore he could not secure a good job and support his family. He depends on farming where he grows maize for consumption and sweet potatoes for commercial purposes. For one year, Moyenda has been experiencing a painful swelling in a sensitive area. The swelling disappears after a while, and it is accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting. He has been visiting different health centers where he was given drugs to no avail until he was advised to visit Nkhoma Hospital for further assessment. Moyenda was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, and he was scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery. However, he cannot afford the cost although he wishes to undergo surgery. This condition has had a negative impact on Moyenda’s life as he feels abdominal pain when the swelling appears, and he cannot do his farming activities. If the condition is left untreated, it may lead to strangulation which can be life-threatening. Treatment will relieve him of the pain and he will be able to focus on his farm without any hindrances from the condition. Moyenda is scheduled for hernia repair surgery February 13th. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is requesting $500 to fund surgery, medications, and medical care. Moyenda says, “I would love to be free of this condition for good.”