Voeun is a retired rice farmer from Kompong Thom province in Cambodia. He is 73 years-old and married with two sons, three daughters, and five grandchildren. One of his daughters and her husband live nearby and help support Voeun and his wife by working in the rice fields. The other children help when they can. In his free time, Voeun likes listening to the news on the radio and going to the pagoda to pray. About one year ago, Voeun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Voeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He shared, "I hope after surgery I can recognize my grandchildren better and I would like to go to the pagoda on my own without my family worrying about me."

Hein is a four-year-old boy living in Burma with his parents and sister. His mother is a homemaker while his father works as a second-hand motorbike broker to provide for their family. The family faces financial struggles and Hein's grandparents often step in to offer financial assistance during times of need. Hein's sister is a student, while he stays at home with his mother. When Hein was two years old, his mother noticed that he had a small lump on his right eyelid. He rubbed his eyes frequently, experienced discomfort and sometimes woke up with his eye swollen. His mother took him to a nearby hospital in 2022 and he was given some eye drops and an antibiotic. The doctor further suggested that Hein’s mother take him to an ophthalmology hospital, which specializes in eye care, for further investigation. However, due to security concerns stemming from the civil war and the high costs associated with the journey, Hein's mother was unable to make the trip. As time passed, Hein's condition deteriorated, with increased swelling and itchiness. Presently, his right eye is painful, showing signs of redness and swelling. Hein's mother brought him to our medical partner's care center for treatment. On March 25th, Hein is scheduled for a cyst excision procedure that will provide him relief and improve his vision and eye movement. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund the procedure. Hein’s mother said, "I have been trying my best to seek treatment for him, and even though I cannot afford it, I hoped to find a way for him to get treated. I want him to grow up like other children and enjoy his life. As a mother, I always want the best for him, and I want to support his future ambitions. I am so happy to learn that my son's medical treatment will be supported by donors. I am happy and relieved, and I hope that Hein's condition will be cured."

Simon is a 33-year-old man from Kiambu County in Kenya. He is the firstborn in a family of two children. Simon is now married and a father of two of his own children, aged 10 and 7. He is known for his hard work and dedication. He managed to acquire a motorbike, which he used for ferrying riders to support his family. His wife engages in a casual job cooking in a nursery school. Regrettably, in May 2022, Simon had an accident while driving his motorbike. The incident resulted in an open fracture of the left tibia/fibula bones in the leg. He sought medical attention and underwent surgery. However, after about a year, it was discovered that his injury was not healing as expected. The plate was subsequently removed, and a plaster cast was applied. By October 2023, the plaster cast was also removed due to significant pain. A repeat X-ray revealed that the fibula bone had united, but the tibia bone had not. Simon has non-union of the broken bones, prompting the surgeon to recommend another surgery to help him fully heal. Unfortunately, Simon's inability to work currently has left him unable to cover the costs associated with the recommended surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 1st, Simon will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The treatment will reduce the risk of permanent disability and non-union in his leg, enabling him to regain mobility. His current situation not only jeopardizes his ability to return to work but also places a strain on his responsibilities as the head of a family. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. Simon said, “I am desperate and at the mercy of the doctor. I hope I can get sponsorship so that my leg can be well again; I can be able to walk and also resume my job because my family is looking up on me.”