Sokhoeun is a 57-year-old grandmother of 16 grandchildren. She lives with her husband, four sons, three daughters, and 16 grandchildren in Kandal province of Cambodia. To help provide for her family she works in the rice fields. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio at home or playing with her grandchildren. About two years ago, Sokhoeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces. Due to her failing eyesight, she is worried about falling when walking, so chooses not to venture out on her own. When Sokhoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for over four hours to seek treatment. The surgeons at CSC created a treatment plan for Sokhoeun to fix her eyesight. On April 24th, surgeons will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. She said, "I hope after surgery I can see well to plant vegetables around my house, help my daughter with housework, and take care of my grandchildren."

Amina is a shy 11-year-old student living in Tanzania. Amina was born with albinism, a condition feared and misunderstood within her culture. But Amina enjoys going to school, as it is when she is able to socialize with her friends. While she is at school, her parents work on people's farms to earn money, and Amina's mother also sells fruits, vegetables, and spices at the market. Amina suffered burns to both of her hands in an accident in 2020. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around her burns. Her right wrist has limited extension, which makes it difficult for her to accomplish a variety of daily tasks. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Amina receive treatment. On March 9th surgeons at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre will perform burn contracture release surgery to help Amina to use her hands freely. Now she needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Amina’s mother says: “We are excited that Amina is going to get better after the surgery.”

Queen is a sweet 11-month-old from Tanzania. She is the youngest child in her family of eight children. Queen is very curious and charming; when she was at our medical partner’s care center, she could not stop playing with the other children. Her family is from a remote part of Western Tanzania, and her parents farm maize and beans. Queen’s mother shared that the recent weather changes made it hard for them to cultivate maize, and they are now dependent on their cultivation of beans. The low harvest also means there are not enough surplus crops to sell and earn money to support the family’s basic needs. Queen has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Queen’s family was able to travel to our medical partner’s care center for assistance. On February 7th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery that will allow Queen to walk easily and wear shoes as she grows up. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund this procedure. Queen’s mother says: “I am worried that my daughter will be so limited when she grows up. I hope she gets the treatment for her condition.”