Chhnok is a 78-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married, and is a father and grandfather. He and his wife live close to one of their daughters, and their children support their daily living expenses. In his free time, Chhnok likes listening to the news, and hearing the monks pray through his radio. About a year ago, Chhnok 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 Chhnok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, 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. Chhnok is contributing towards his treatment but needs help to raise an additional $213 for the procedure. He says: "I hope that after surgery, my eye can see better easily as I walk around, and that I will be able to recognize my relatives, and attend ceremonies at the pagoda."

Seav is six years old and a second-grade student from Cambodia. She is the middle child of three siblings and lives with her parents, who are rice farmers in Prey Veng Province. Her older brother is in Grade 8, while her younger sister is three years old. She enjoys reading and writing Khmer and likes playing with toys with her cousins and sister. Her favorite foods are caramelized pork and eggs. When she was nine months old, Seav suffered a hot-water burn to her right hand. After the burn healed, scar tissue gradually formed and caused contractures in her right middle and ring fingers, along with a shortened web space. The tight scars restrict movement in her right middle and ring fingers and make it difficult for her to use her right hand for writing. This can make schoolwork and other activities that require hand movement more challenging. When Seav's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 23rd, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve movement in her right hand, making it easier for her to write and use her hand during school and daily activities. Now, she needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Seav's mother said, “Her hand has been tight since she was very young, and now it is making writing more difficult for her at school. I hope the surgery will help her move her fingers more freely so she can write, learn, and use her hand with greater ease.”

Beatris is a 14-year-old student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who works in construction, and her six siblings. Her favorite subject at school is PE and her favorite sport is volleyball. Beatris's parents noticed she was not gaining weight properly and frequently had nosebleeds, and took her to the local doctor which eventually led to her heart condition being diagnosed. She has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On September 9th, Beatris will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in Beatris's heart so that blood will no longer leak through it.. Beatris's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Beatris's mother says: "We are waiting patiently for my daughter's surgery, we came from far and we are hopeful."