Sophy is from Takeo province in Cambodia. She and her husband work as rice farmers and have two sons, three daughters, and five grandchildren. Due to her deteriorating vision, Sophy has not been able to work as much and has been spending more time at home caring for her grandchildren. In her free time, she likes going to the pagoda to pray and cook for her family. Around two years ago, Sophy developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her to experience itchiness and watery eyes. 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. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Sophy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sophy 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 $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 4th. Sophy said, "I want my eye to stop hurting because I want to go back to work and be able to take care of my family."

Ateikas is a 68-year-old retired fish seller from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. She is widowed and has five sons, three daughters, and sixteen grandchildren. Ever since her husband passed away seven years ago, her children and grandchildren have looked after her. About one year ago, Ateikas developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Her impaired vision also makes her more dependent on her extended family. When Ateikas learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Ateikas should regain both her vision and independence. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Ateikas shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see more clearly, and I can help with my grandchildren at home."

Junior is a happy and playful five-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother in Dodoma, Tanzania. Junior's mother, who is a single parent, works as a housemaid in Arusha- 450 miles from Dodoma- and sends her earnings to her mother, who cares for Junior. Junior was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition where his legs bow inward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which is often a byproduct of consuming contaminated drinking water. As a result, Junior has difficulty walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Junior. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Junior's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Junior’s mother says: “I am constantly worried about his future because his legs keep getting worse over time. I hope he will get better with this treatment.”