Srey Neth is a 13-month-old baby girl from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal Province with her grandmother and older brother, who is in Grade 2. Due to financial difficulties, her parents moved to the city to work, with her father working as a grocery seller and her mother working in a garment factory. She enjoys playing with dolls and toys and likes eating sour fish soup and fried pork with vegetables. Srey Neth was born with syndactyly of her left hand. This means that her first, second, third, and fourth fingers of her left hand are fused and share the same nail. The fused fingers limit the normal movement and function of her left hand. This makes it difficult for her to grasp and hold toys, pick up objects, and develop normal hand skills as she grows. The condition may also affect the appearance of her hand and her confidence in the future. Fortunately, on July 21st, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused fingers. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to use her hand more easily for holding toys, grasping objects, and developing normal hand skills as she grows. Srey Neth's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter use her left hand more normally so she can hold things, play, and grow up like other children.”

Robert is a 23-year-old casual labourer from Uganda. Due to financial challenges during his childhood, he was not able to finish school and therefore has limited employment opportunities. His parents are small-scale farmers and do not have the means to help him with his medical needs. About two months ago, Robert began to experience sharp abdominal pain that was so severe that he was rushed to a nearby clinic. He was referred to a larger hospital, where doctors discovered a large abdominal mass. Though doctors recommended surgery, Robert was unable to afford it and was given pain medication. As time has gone on, his condition has continued to deteriorate, and he is no longer able to work, which has forced him to move back in with his parents. Fortunately, one of his uncles decided to travel with Robert to our partner’s medical care centre, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Robert’s surgery will take place on November 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $242 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Robert shared, “All I request is your support. With it, I will be operated on and will get back on my feet. I have suffered enough pain, and all I ask of you is to save me.”

Yin is a loving 74-year-old grandfather from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. He is married and has five sons, two daughters, and 20 grandchildren. He previously worked as a housekeeper, but now lives with his wife, who helps take care of their grandchildren, and his youngest daughter, who works in the garment industry. His favorite hobbies are attending ceremonies, listening to the radio, listening to monks pray, and visiting the pagoda. About a year ago, Yin 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 is not able to go places on his own. When Yin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 17th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Yin is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising an additonal $238 to fund the procedure. He said, "I hope that after cataract surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can see more clearly, attend ceremonies, visit the pagoda, and continue doing housework independently."