Phai is a 60-year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampong Cham with his wife. Their five children and grandchildren live nearby and visit often. In his free time, Phai likes spending time with his grandchildren, studying Buddhism, and watching the local news. Around three months ago, Phai developed a cataract in his right eye, which caused him discomfort, blurred vision, and watery eyes. He has been unable to work for long periods due to vision loss. A cataract clouded the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places alone. When Phai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 6th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He said, "I want to go places alone and not feel afraid. When my vision improves, I can work more and help care for my family."

Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"

Maria is a one-month-old baby girl from Haiti. Maria has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Maria has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Maria will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of surgery for Maria at Hospital Bernard Mevs which will treat her hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on April 12th. The doctors will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Maria's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Maria will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. The family is looking forward to having their baby grow up healthy