Ian is a class one pupil who is struggling with his hearing. He relies on lip-reading to communicate and though shy, he is learning sign language in school. When he was three years old, his mother noted his struggle with talking and hearing. She was advised to wait until he was five years old but unfortunately, at five, Ian could only say a few words. His mom delayed enrolling him in a special school due to financial struggle. Ian was referred to our facility whereupon review, he had hearing aids recommended. With the aids, his hearing will improve along with his social performance. Ian comes from a humble background. His mother used to sell charcoal to make ends meet but with a poor business environment, she has resorted to laundry labor where she makes about $2 daily. To get to our facility, she got a loan for bus fare. Ian’s father committed suicide in 2014, making life frustrating for his mother. Ian’s mother appeal for help. Ian’s mother says, “My prayer is to have Ian grow as a normal child. Please help him.”

Mek is a 73-year-old mother-of-three from Cambodia. She has three daughters and three grandchildren, and works at the rice farm during the day to provide for her family. One year ago, Mek developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Mek learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours by local taxi seeking treatment. On March 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. "I hope that I will be able to see clearly again and I can help my daughter with the housework," Mek shared.

John is a baby from Kenya. John’s father, the family's sole breadwinner, is employed casually to cut trees. His mother on the other hand is a full-time mom. His family lives in a single-rental house in Central Kenya. With limited income of $120 on average per month, John’s father is not able to raise the funds needed for his son’s treatment. John was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future infertility. Fortunately, John is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 10th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $700 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. “If only I can see him urinate normally, I’ll be very happy,” says John’s mother.