Sophal is a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives in a small town on the Mekong river that is famous for having a small population of freshwater dolphins. Sophal has five sons, one daughter, and fifteen grandchildren that keep her busy. Her husband has also retired from their rice farm. Their daughter lives with them and farms rice and lotus for a living. Sophal shared that some of her favorite activities include joining ceremonies at her local pagoda, cooking, and looking after her house. About seven months ago, Sophal developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and sensitivity to light. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Sophal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for eight and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 5th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Sophal shared: "I hope my vision improves, and I can do housework and get around easily by myself. I want to walk to the pagoda by myself."

Som Orn is a 53-year-old rice farmer. She shared that her husband passed away ten years ago due to liver cancer. Som Orn has three sons, three daughters, and two grandchildren. Her children all work in construction, and she works in the rice fields. At home, Som Orn likes to listen to the news on the radio. Five years ago, Som Orn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Som Orn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for six and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Som Orn said: "After surgery, I hope I will see better. I can plant rice or find a job to earn money to support my family."

Saw Tha is an 11-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister in a village in Karen State. His father is a Karen soldier and his mother is a homemaker. Their family does not have a stable income, but sometimes his father will work as a day laborer when he has free time. Saw Tha's family also raises chickens for their own consumption and his mother plants vegetables around their house. During his free time, Saw Tha likes to play football with his friends. On February 3rd, 2023, Saw Tha climbed a plum mango tree to pluck the fruit. He suddenly fell down from the tree and broke his left femur bone. Currently, he cannot walk as he is in severe pain and his left leg is swollen. Despite taking painkillers, he cannot sleep as the pain worsens through the night. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Saw Tha will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for February 4th and this treatment will help Saw Tha to be free from pain and walk again. Saw Tha and his family need help raising $1,500 to fund his procedure. Saw Tha's mother said, "I do not know where to look for help for my son. I just know that I am [worried] for him. I am very thankful to the kind donors and organization [BCMF] for helping my son."