Kelemua is a hardworking widow from Ethiopia who, at 80 years old, still supports her five sons by farming the land. However, she is losing her independence because of severe cataracts. Her vision is severely clouded, causing light sensitivity and making it difficult for her to move around safely. Her daily farm work and household chores now pose a risk of injury with her limited eyesight. And she is no longer able to contribute to the family’s income or do the work she loves. Two years ago, Kelemua developed a cataract in both eyes, causing her pain, blurry vision, and tearing. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Fortunately, Kelemua is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on June 10th, when surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly and resume her daily activities. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $300 to fund her procedure. "My greatest hope is to regain my sight so I can move around safely again. I miss working on the farm and helping out at home, and I want to get back to contributing to my family’s life," said Kelemua.

Toma is a 54-year-old elderly man, who lives with his wife, son and grandchildren in rural Takeo Province in Cambodia. His wife stays at home caring for the grandchildren, while his son works as a rice farmer. The family has a simple rural lifestyle with low income and relies mainly on farming and family support. In his free time, Takeo takes care of his hens, grows vegetables around the house, and lives a quiet village life. In 2024, Takeo was shot in the right hand during an attempted robbery. This resulted in a fracture of his right arm. He went to a government hospital where doctors fixed surgical hardware to help with the healing his fracture. Since the injury and surgery, he has continued to experience pain and discomfort in his right hand. The condition makes it difficult for him to use his hand properly, affecting his ability to perform daily activities and reducing his independence. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On April 21st, Toma will undergo a surgical hardware removal procedure to help reduce his pain and improve hand function, so he can return to his daily activities. Toma and his family are able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $353 more to fund the procedure. Toma says, “I hope my hand will heal well so I can use it without pain, and return to my normal daily life.”

Kuntha is a 61-year-old corn farmer from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Cham Province with her elderly mother and her fourth sister, who works at a bank. She is the eldest of five siblings. While all of her younger siblings are married, she remains single. She enjoys listening to monks prayers and growing vegetables around her home in her free time. About 10 years ago, Kuntha noticed a small lump on the left side of the front of her neck. The lump gradually became larger over time. After evaluation at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter affecting the left thyroid lobe. Although the lump is not painful, it has become more noticeable over the years, making her worried about her health and self-conscious about the appearance of her neck. She also fears that it may continue to grow if left untreated. Kuntha traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 13th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Kuntha is contributing to her treatment, but needs help to raise an additional $294 to fund the procedure. She said, “I hope this surgery will remove the lump and give me peace of mind. I have worried about it for many years, and I am grateful for the chance to finally receive treatment.”