Thou Hek is a 76-year-old retired grandfather from Phnom Penh. He has three daughters and ten grandchildren. Thou Hek retired almost twenty years ago as an administrator for the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transportation. He lives with his wife and his oldest daughter, who sells second-hand clothes in the local market. He enjoys listening to the news on his phone and spending time with his family. About three months ago, Thou Hek developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. Thou Hek will undergo cataract surgery at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre on May 31st. Doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Thou Hek was able to contribute $50 towards his medical costs but needs help raising the remaining $203 for treatment. Thou Hek shared, "I hope I can see clearly again so I can start reading again, and not feel afraid when I go out."

Wande is a four-year-old girl from Tanzania. She has two siblings and they are cared for by their single mother. Wande's mother has established her own food business to help provide for the family. Wande was born with clubfoot on her left foot, but her parents never sought treatment for it. She has learned to stand and walk despite the condition, but she now experiences pain while walking and is unable to walk long distances in her community. Wande was referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, where she will begin manipulation and casting on September 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 for Wande's treatment. Wande’s mother says: “I wish for my daughter to get better and have a good life in the future.”

Sambath is a 46-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with two teenage daughters who left school to help him on the farm. Sambath enjoys his few hours of free time listening to monks pray on the radio. In 2007, Sambath experienced a traumatic acid burn on his face. Now, he suffers from ectropion in both eyes, with the condition more severe in his left eye. Ectropion is a condition in which the eyelid turns outward. This leaves the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation and infection. Burn scar contractures have developed from the scarring around his eyelids. It is difficult for him to see, and he is worried it will cause further damage to his eyes and vision. When Sambath learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 3rd, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help improve his eyesight and see more clearly again. HIs family is able to contribute $37.50 but he needs your help to raise $458 more to fund the procedure. Sambath said, "I hope my eyesight will be better, with no more worries, so I can continue growing rice to support my family."