Innocent is a 10-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest in a family of two children. Both of his parents are small-scale farmers who depend on the vegetables they harvest for their food, and also sell some crops at the market to make a living. Innocent was born a healthy and cheerful baby, and his growth has been normal until last November. Now, his mother says he has became very irritable and cries a lot. Innocent has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Innocent has been experiencing a growing head circumference, and he cannot support the weight of his head. Without treatment, Innocent will experience severe physical and developmental delays and disability. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $765 to cover the cost of surgery to treat Innocent's hydrocephalus condition. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 20th and will drain the excess fluid from Innocent's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Innocent will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Innocent’s mother shared, “Please save my baby. His condition worsens as days go by, and we are really worried.”

Chhan is a 69-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He has three daughters, five sons, and many grandchildren. His wife passed away two years ago so now Chhan lives with his youngest son who is a day laborer. In his free time Chhan enjoys listening to the news on the radio. About two years ago, Chhan developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, photophobia, and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, affecting his daily life. When Chhan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours with his son seeking treatment. On December 21st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Chhan said, "I hope after surgery I can see well so I can plant some vegetables around my home and easily to drive anywhere by myself."

Chamroeun is a 53-year-old mint and rice farmer from Cambodia. Chamroeun has two sons, eight daughters, and twelve grandchildren - all his children are now married. His wife is also a rice farmer. When he's not farming, he shared that he enjoys planting vegetables at his home and listening to news on the radio. Five years ago, Chamroeun developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him feel irritation, burning, blurry vision, and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Chamroeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for five and a half hours seeking treatment. Chamroeun needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for November 9th. Chamroeun told us, "I hope that after surgery my eye irritation will stop and I can easily recognize things well. I would like to read books and plant rice and mint without any worry."