Chanthoeun is a 48-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. In her free time, she likes to watch both Khmer and Thai dramas on the television. Twenty years ago, Chanthoeun developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her irritation, burning, and blurry vision. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Chanthoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. Chanthoeun 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 her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for March 5. She says, "I hope that after my surgery, the irritation will stop so I can see again and go back to my rice farming."

Sogomo is a grandmother from Kenya. She plants millet and cassava. She is the mother of five children. Early this month, Sogomo slipped and broke her right hand while crossing a fence. She is now unable to stretch or lift her right hand. Sogomo will not be able to perform her normal duties of farming and fetching water for her house if she is not treated. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 13, Sogomo will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. She will be able to use her hand again with no pain. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure. Sogomo’s son says, “We were forced as family to borrow money from a money lender with high interest rates to pay bills for Sogomo’s first treatment. We are unable to afford for her second treatment again."

Agnes is a student from Tanzania. She is the third child in a family of four children. She lives with her grandparents. Agnes was diagnosed with genu varus, which causes her pain when walking. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she has had to stop going to school. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Agnes. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 14. Treatment will hopefully restore Agnes's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Agnes says, “Please help me, my leg is making me not to be able to walk well due to the pain I feel.”