Tha is a 64-year-old retired construction worker from Cambodia. She is a widow, has one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a construction worker. Tha likes to take care of her grandchildren and make food for them. About one year ago, Tha developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Tha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On October 30th, 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 $263 procedure. Tha shared, "I hope after surgery, I can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren. I hope to go to far places and do my housework, and maybe I can grow crops at home."

Punleu is a 17-year-old Grade 11 student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampot Province with his parents and younger brother, who is in Grade 8. His father works as a construction contractor, and his mother stays at home to manage household duties and take care of their orange farm. Punleu enjoys studying Khmer literature. In his free time, he likes listening to music and playing volleyball with his friends in the village. He hopes to become an agricultural specialist in the future. In December 2024, Punleu was in in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right lower leg. He was treated at a provincial hospital where he underwent ORIF surgery with plate and screw fixation of the leg. Since the surgery, he has been experiencing pain when walking long distances and stiffness in his right leg during cold weather, which affects his daily activities and mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 18th, Punleu will undergo a hardware removal procedure to reduce pain and stiffness and improve his walking ability and overall comfort. Punleu's family is contributing to his surgery, but they need to raise an additional $303 for the procedure. Punleu says, “After the surgery, I hope I will be able to walk better without pain, regain my strength and confidence, and return to my normal daily life, studies, and activities without any limitation.”

Chorn is a 69-year-old retired farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who is a rice farmer. His first wife passed away 16 years ago, and he has three children from his previous marriage. All three are married; his eldest child serves in the army, the second works as a grocery seller, and the youngest is employed at a laundry shop. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the radio and watching the news on his phone. Around 10 years ago, Chorn underwent total hip replacement surgery on both hips. However, over time, the artificial components in his right hip became severely worn and loose, causing damage to the surrounding bone. He has experienced right hip pain for approximately four years, which has become much worse over the past year. Standing and walking are now extremely difficult, and he relies on a wheelchair to get around. The pain and limited mobility have also prevented him from returning to farming and managing his daily activities independently. Although his left hip also shows some loosening, it is not currently causing him significant problems. On November 3rd, Chorn will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Doctors will perform a right hip revision surgery, with removal of the existing artificial components and conversion to an excision arthroplasty. Chorn and his family can contribute $100 and need help raising $1,400 more to fund his procedure and care. Chorn said, “I hope this surgery will help reduce the pain in my right hip so I can stand and walk more comfortably again. I want to be able to take care of my daily activities with less help from others. If my recovery goes well, I hope I can return to farming and enjoy being active again.”