Sok Chea is a 50-year-old construction worker from Prey Veng province. He is married and has two daughters and one son. His wife is also a construction worker, and his children are students. After a day of working, Sok Chea likes to tend to his vegetables around his house. About five months ago, Sok Chea developed a cataract in his left 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. When Sok Chea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 9th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Sok Chea said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see well again. I can go back to work well, and I can support my children's studies."

Sambath is 17 years old and a first-year university student majoring in marketing from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Kampong Cham province with his parents, who work as rice farmers. He is the second child among four siblings. His older sister is studying accounting at university, while his two younger siblings are still attending high school. In addition to helping his family, he works a part-time job to help cover household expenses and support his education. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and doing his assignments. Since he was five years old, Sambath had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his left ear to perforate. For this reason, Sambath experiences persistent ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, and a ringing sound in the ear. This makes it difficult for him to hear clearly, which affects communication with others and his ability to focus in class. Hearing problems have also caused discomfort and reduced his confidence in social interactions and academic activities. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sambath receive treatment. On March 4th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $338 more to fund his procedure and care. Sambath shared, “Since I was young, I have struggled with my hearing. It is hard for me to follow lessons in class and talk with my friends. I hope that one day I can have surgery to repair my ear so I can hear clearly, study better, and feel more confident when communicating with others.”

Agness is 59 years old and a farmer from Malawi. She is married with nine children. Eighteen years ago, Agness began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small lump on her neck that grew bigger over time, causing problems with swallowing meals. She visited the nearest hospitals, where she was given some medications after the diagnosis of goiter was made, yet to no avail. With time, she couldn't carry heavy items on her head, concentrate on farm work, and was always tired. She was then referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), for support. Agness was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Agness receive treatment. On March 10th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. "Words fail me; thank you in advance, you have space in heaven; your care has already given me hope that all will be well in the end," Agness said.