Kena is eight-year-old energetic boy from Ethiopia. Kena is in the second grade and lives with his parents and his sister, but lately, his presence at school has been missed due to recurring bouts of tonsillitis. This chronic condition has temporarily sidelined him, pausing both his education and playtime. Two years ago, Kena began experiencing snoring, fever and recurring sore throats. This creates a difficult cycle of sick days that keeps him out of class and fun, active games he should be playing with his sister. He also experiences high fevers that keep coming back and a sharp, burning pain whenever he tries to swallow. This makes eating and drinking a daily struggle, often leaving him feeling completely exhausted and without energy. Kena was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Thankfully, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital can help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kena, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kena of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Kena says "I am so excited for the opportunity to get back to school and play with my friends. I really miss eating the snacks I love! Because of my tonsils, swallowing feels like a sharp fire, which makes eating feel like hard work. I know my mom and dad are worried, and I think the best part for them will be seeing me smile and run around with all my energy again."

Leng is a 60-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and has two sons, three daughters, and eight grandchildren. He lives with his wife, who is also a farmer, and his youngest daughter, who works at a beauty salon. In his free time, Leng enjoys watching volleyball. About two years ago, Leng 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, similar to 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. When Leng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On July 7th, 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. Leng said, "I hope that after my cataract surgery, my vision will improve, my sensitivity to bright light will go away, and I will be able to return to growing rice without difficulty."

Rathana is a 34-year-old tuk-tuk tricycle driver from Prey Veng, Cambodia. He is divorced and has three children. In his free time, he likes to play volleyball. About two months ago, the retina of Rathana's left eye detached, causing him partial blindness and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Rathana learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 3rd, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $706 procedure. Rathana said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can go back to driving my Tuk Tuk, and I feel happy I don’t worry about my eye anymore."