Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse 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, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.

Thoon is a 13-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her parents in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. They are originally from Karen State, Burma. They moved to Thailand in search of better job opportunities. Her parents are agricultural day laborers. In her free time, she loves to play with her friends or watch movies on her mother's phone. On July 9th, 2026, Thoon and her friends got into a motorbike accident. An X-ray showed that she fractured her left leg and jaw. She cannot walk and is in pain. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Thoon will undergo surgery to reset her fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for July 15th. After surgery, Thoon will be able to walk again, look after herself, and help with household chores. Her family needs help raising $1,500 to help fund the cost of her procedure and care. Thoon's mother said, "We are unable to borrow money for her surgery. Thank you for helping my daughter."

Pheareak is a 33-year-old soldier living in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who works in a garment factory, and their son, who is a kindergarten student. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends in the village. About six months ago, Pheareak had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Pheareak experiences ringing in his ear, hearing loss, and ear pain. He experiences difficulty hearing, which affects daily communication and quality of life. The ear pain also causes discomfort, especially in cold weather. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Pheareak receive treatment. On April 2nd, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Pheareak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $263 more to fund his procedure and care. Pheareak said, “After the surgery, I hope that the ringing in my right ear and hearing loss will improve, the pain in my ear will go away, and I will be able to hear normally again.”