Ke is a 60-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has four children, five grandchildren, and enjoys watching Khmer movies on television in her free time. Four years ago, Ke developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her tearing, blurry vision, and photophobia. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Ke learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Ke needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for November 6th. Ke said, "I hope that I will be able to see clearly again so I can return to my work planting rice and potatoes on the farm"

Tun is a 33-year-old man from Burma. He used to work as a day laborer at a construction site until he fell sick. During his free time, he enjoys playing billiards with his friends. Tun was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, Tun is experiencing tiredness, fast heartbeats, sharp chest pains, and he is unable to sleep well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Tun. The treatment is scheduled to take place on December 16th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Tun said, "I am very happy that I received this chance of getting treatment. It is impossible if I must fund my own treatment. Thank you very much for your support.”

Im is a 63-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has six sons, four daughters, and twenty grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. Seven months ago, Im developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Im learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 23rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $211 procedure. "I hope that I will be able to see more clearly and can go outside on my own again. I hope I can help take care of my grandchildren and help with the housework," she shared.