Tha is a 64-year-old retired construction worker from Cambodia. She is a widow, has one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a construction worker. Tha likes to take care of her grandchildren and make food for them. About one year ago, Tha developed a cataract in her right 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 Tha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On October 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Tha shared, "I hope after surgery, I can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren. I hope to go to far places and do my housework, and maybe I can grow crops at home."

Yadesa is an 80-year-old man from Ethiopia. He is a retired merchant who spent his life working hard and building an independent life. Since the deeply sad loss of his beloved wife, he has found comfort and support by moving in with one of his two brothers. One year ago, Yadesa developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision and burning sensation. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. For a man who spent his whole life actively connecting with the world through buying and selling, this slow darkening of his sight is truly heartbreaking. It has made it incredibly hard for him to talk and spend time with his loved ones, enjoy the world around him, and hold onto the dignity and independence that have always defined who he is. Fortunately, Yadesa is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Yadesa shared, "I hope to regain the independence I so deeply miss, allowing me to navigate my home and enjoy the company of my brother with newfound ease and confidence."

Har Si is a 38-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her three daughters and son-in-law in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her eldest daughter and son-in-law run a small home-based grocery shop, while her two younger daughters attend school in the camp. Har Si is a homemaker. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies on her phone and chatting with her neighbors. In October 2025, Har Si felt a lump on the left side of her neck while bathing. She was diagnosed with a left branchial cleft cyst. She experiences fatigue and discomfort from the cyst. Although the doctors have reassured her that the lump is not cancerous, she still worries that it may not disappear. Har Si traveled to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, to receive care, and on July 21st, surgeons will remove the cyst. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Har Si's procedure and provide her relief from the impact of the cyst. Har Si shared, “I feel so happy and relieved because of your support. Before this, I was worried that I would never be able to afford the surgery. I was afraid the lump might become cancerous and that I would be separated from my daughters. Now, because of your assistance, I have the opportunity to receive the surgery I need."