Sophanha is a six-month-old baby who has an older brother and sister. His father and 20-year-old brother operate a coffee stand outside a factory, and his sister is a 17-year-old high school student. His mother stays home to take care of Sophanha right now. When he was born, Sophanha was diagnosed with Erb's palsy on his left arm and hand. This leads to weakness, loss of function and sensation so that the young boy is unable to lift his arm or use his hand. Sophanha traveled with his family to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 29th, he will undergo surgery that will help him be able to use his hand in the future as he grows up. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $696 to fund this procedure. Sophanha's mother shares, "I am glad my baby can get this surgery, and I hope he can use his arm soon and grow strong."

Tumusimire is a 54-year-old small scale farmer and a married mother to seven children. Her husband is also a small-scale farmer and together, they own a three-room house. Their oldest child is 35 years old, while their youngest is 20 years old and completing secondary school. She shared that it has been challenging to raise money for school fees for their children, but they have done their best to educate them. For two years, Tumusimire has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. Recently, the pain has affected her work. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and surgery was recommended by her doctor. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Tumusimire receive treatment. On July 10th, she will undergo a hysterectomy, or a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Once recovered, she will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, she needs $228 to fund the procedure. Tumusimire shared, “I hope to feel better with less pain after surgery as I look forward to keeping my farming going to be able to sustain my family.”

Sokhom is a 64-year-old farmer with four sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. Sokhom lives with her husband and their eldest daughter, who is also a farmer. She enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio and traveling to the pagoda to join ceremonies. Five years ago, Sokhom developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her sensitivity to light, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sokhom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On June 7th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Sokhom shared, "after surgery, I hope my eye can see well so I can get around on my own, take care of my grandchildren, and cook well."