Rodas is a four-year-old boy who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and younger brother. His father is a hardworking doctor who works hard to provide for his family and help sick people, and his mother is a stay-at-home mother. About one year ago, Rodas began to experience the symptoms of tonsillitis, which makes it difficult for him to breathe normally, and sleep well. His parents first noticed that he was snoring heavily, and often breathed through this mouth instead of his nose. The continued lack of sleep has been difficult for Rodas and his family, as he is often tired and emotional. Because Rodas's tonsillitis is failing to resolve on its own, doctors are recommending surgery to remove his tonsils. Without surgery, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify. Doctors are also worried that the constant sleep deprivation will affect Rodas's growth and quality of life, and that the mouth breathing will affect the development of his jaw and face. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Rodas, which is scheduled to take place on September 20th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Rodas of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. His parents say, "We hope that Rodas can finally sleep soundly through the night, without loud snoring or trouble breathing. We also hope that he can enjoy a healthy, happy childhood."

Try is a 60-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and has one son, one daughter, and two grandchildren. He lives with his wife, who is a clothes seller, and his youngest son, who is a student. Try likes to listen to the news and the monks pray on the radio. About two months ago, Try developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. Try learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On November 2nd, 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 $263 procedure. Try said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better and I can go back to work. I feel happy and don’t have to worry about my eye anymore."

Srey is a 65-year-old woman and a retired farmer from Prey Veng, Cambodia. Her husband passed away 20 years ago due to hypertension. She has one daughter, three sons, and five grandchildren. She lives alone, but her daughter, who works as a factory laborer, lives nearby. Srey's favorite hobby is listening to the radio, especially programs about Buddhist teachings and spiritual education. Five years ago, Srey 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Srey learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 3rd, 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. Srey can contribute $35, but needs help raising an additional $228 to fund her procedure and care. Srey said, "As I am getting older, I have developed cataracts, which have affected my vision. I hope that after cataract surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can go out more easily, recognize my relatives clearly, and travel to distant places to attend ceremonies and social events without difficulty."