Mao is a 73-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. She is a widow, as her husband died six years ago due to a heart attack. Now, she has two sons, seven daughters, and 26 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. About two years ago, Mao developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, similar to 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Mao said, "I hope after surgery, I can see better, easily go out to join ceremonies, and recognize my relatives well."

Rathana is a 17-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is the first child in his family and lives in Kampong Speu Province with his parents and younger brother, who is in Grade 7. His parents work in a garment factory, and because of financial difficulties, he had to leave school and now works with them. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball and football with his friends in the village. His favorite foods are lemongrass sour soup and eggs. On June 28th, 2026, Rathana fell from a motorbike and briefly lost consciousness. He was taken to a provincial hospital, where X-rays showed a closed fracture of his left femur and an open fracture of his left forearm. Because he could not afford the recommended surgery, he later received treatment with a bamboo splint and traditional care. The fractures eventually healed in an abnormal position. His left leg is now shorter than his right, which has made walking difficult. He has been using crutches since the accident and has not yet tried walking. Although he experiences only a little pain, the shortened leg remains his main concern. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 1st, Rathana will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help stabilize the bone in its improved position and support his recovery, helping him gradually regain the ability to walk and return to his normal activities and work. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Rathana's mother said, “I worry about how much my son has struggled with his leg since the accident. I hope this surgery will help his leg heal in a better position so he can start walking again, return to his normal activities, and get back to work.”

Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."