Hem is a 57-year-old rice farmer from Pailin Province in Cambodia. She is married and lives with her 64-year-old husband. They have four children. Her first and second children are rice farmers, her third child works for an organization, and her youngest child is a teacher. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks praying and keeping up with the news. Hem has a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level of her lower spine, a condition in which a spinal disc presses on nearby nerves. She has experienced intermittent lower back pain for approximately three years, but about one month ago, the pain began radiating down the back of her left leg. She also experiences intermittent numbness in her left leg and weakness when extending her left toe. These symptoms have made walking and carrying out her daily activities as a farmer more difficult. Hem was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), by a relative. She traveled approximately seven hours from Pailin to seek specialized care. After evaluation, doctors recommended surgery to relieve the pressure on the affected nerves. Hem is scheduled to undergo laminectomy and decompression of the L4-L5 spine on August 17th. She has contributed $100 towards her treatment but needs an additional $1,400 in support to cover the cost of surgery and related care. The surgery aims to relieve pressure on the nerves and help reduce her back and leg symptoms, allowing her to walk more comfortably and return to farming and her normal daily activities. Hem said, “I hope that this surgery will relieve my back and leg pain, improve the numbness and weakness in my left leg, and help me walk more comfortably again. I wish to return to farming, and continue my normal daily activities.”

Sina is a loving 63-year-old retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province. She has one son, who provides her support, and lives near her niece who sells groceries. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks give spiritual education. About three years ago, Sina developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Sina learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 13th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sina and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $238 more to fund the procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so I can easily go out, take care of myself, and plant vegetables around my house."

Gonfa is a 58-year-old man from Ethiopia. He works as a guard at a government office. He works hard every day to support his wife, who is a farmer, and their seven children—four daughters and three sons. He is the main provider for his family. Two years ago, Gonfa developed a cataract in his right eye, causing a reduction in vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. His poor vision makes it hard for him to perform daily tasks at home and at work. Fortunately, Gonfa is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. On September 6th, surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Gonfa shared, "I hope to regain clear vision in my right eye so I can read, write, and do my tasks properly again."