Sea is a 61-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Cham province. She lives in a village near her best friend- her younger sister. In her free time, she is a volunteer cleaner at her local pagoda. About three years ago, Sea developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Sea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 20th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and place an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery I can do my work more easily and recognize people."

Beatrice, a 35-year-old single mother of five, lives in Malawi. Beatrice cooks and sells beer locally, but as she is unable to support her family with her earnings, she relies on her husband's brother to support her and the children. In 2022, Beatrice first started experiencing swelling in the right upper suprapubic area. As she wasn't concerned by the swelling, she didn't seek treatment. However, in February 2023, Beatrice was in line at a clinic with pain from the swelling so intense that she required immediate attention. Beatrice was seen by a surgeon, who told her that she had a hernia that needed to be repaired as soon as possible. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the costs of the surgery, which will prevent Beatrice's situation from worsening to potentially life-threatening consequences. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 22nd at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Beatrice is looking forward to recovering so that she can continue to care for her children. Beatrice happily said: “PIH kindly help me to have that surgery and get better; my children will suffer if you don’t help me.”

Emmy is a 36-year-old taxi driver. He is a father of 4 school-aged children. After completing high school, he had difficulty raising funds for college despite the desire to join university. He enrolled in a driving school and was later hired as a taxi driver. His wife is a farmer and their family of 6 lives in a 2 bedroom semi-permanent house. For 6 years, Emmy has had left inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him pain especially when he strains. Fortunately, on January 25th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Emmy's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Emmy says “I have been with this pain for quite a long time, I could have undergone surgery so long ago but I have always been let down by finances, I surely need and am grateful for your support for the success of my surgery.”