George is a 22-year-old young man from Githunguri in Kiambu County in Kenya. He is the second born in a family of three children. George was trained as a mason and does casual jobs at construction sites. Four months ago, George began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pains and abdominal distension. He felt weak, dizzy, and uninterested in his surroundings. After experiencing delays in treatment at the local hospital, George's father brought George to our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital, where he was seen by a surgeon and diagnosed with a mesenteric cyst in the abdomen. If not treated, George's condition may lead to complications such as bleeding, infection, rupture, or intestinal obstruction. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his mesenteric cyst. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $653 to fund George's surgery. On August 1st, he will undergo surgery at Nazareth Hospital. Once completed, this procedure will greatly improve his quality of life. “My parents are not in a good financial situation and have been struggling with me. I am seeking help so that my stomach can be treated, and I can be well again. Kindly help me and my parents,” shared George.

Sok Ret is a 49-year-old corn farmer from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is married, has one son, two daughters, and one grandchild. She lives with her husband, who is a vegetable farmer, and her youngest daughter, who works in a nearby garment factory. Five years ago, Sok Ret developed a pterygium in her right eye, which caused her to experience itchiness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is damaged, due to excessive sun exposure, wind, or dust. As a result, cells grow abnormally over the pupil. Sok Ret has difficulty seeing things clearly and is reluctant to go outside. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is here to help. Sok Ret needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the surface of the cornea, to be replaced by a conjunctival graft, which should prevent a recurrence of her condition. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 9th and Sok Ret needs your help. She can contribute $50 to her care but needs to raise $175 more for the procedure. Sok Ret shared, "I hope the surgery can help me feel happy and to go back to work without worrying about my sight anymore."

Ven is a 16-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, younger sister, and 89-year-old grandmother. His parents are rubber tappers, who collect latex from rubber trees. Ven, the oldest child, is in grade 10, while his 12-year-old sister is in grade 5. Ven enjoys studying English and aspires to become a kindergarten teacher when he grows up. His favorite meal is Num Kom, a traditional Cambodian rice cake. In his free time, Ven helps look after the house and his grandmother. At an earlier age, Ven developed a cyst on his left forearm. Over time it has increased in size, causing pain especially when he lifts heavy objects. He sought cyst removal surgery at a clinic in his home province, but the doctors referred him to Children's Surgical Centre. Ven traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On June 12th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Ven's family was able to contribute $75 towards his medical care, but need help raising $198 more to fund the procedure. Ven says: "After surgery, I hope that I can return to school, and be able to lift my arm easily, without any pain and discomfort."