Ath is a 72-year-old retired farmer with one son, three daughters, and twenty-five grandchildren. Ath's husband passed away a long time ago, and she lives near her daughter. In her free time, Ath likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Ath developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia, blurry vision, and tearing. Consequently, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Ath learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On June 14th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Ath says, "I hope I can see well enough to take care of myself well and go places on my own."

Hla is a 40-year-old woman living with her husband and adopted daughter in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border. Hla and her family fled their village in Burma, due to fighting in the area. In January, Hla learned that she was pregnant for the first time after ten years of marriage. Then in March, Hla had to flee with her husband and daughter due to the fighting near her village. They moved in with her uncle, who lives in a refugee camp. Once there, she sought prenatal care at a clinic in the camp, where she was told that she had a breech baby, which would require a Caesarean section in order for her baby to be delivered safely. The C-section is scheduled for May 11th at nearby Mae Sot Hospital (MSH). When Hla told a friend that she does not have the money to pay for her hospital stay, her friend referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), for help with paying for her care. Currently, Hla is eight months pregnant and is worried about her condition and the health of her baby. Burma Children Medical Fund is seeking $1,500 to cover the costs of Hla's treatment, and for the safe delivery of her baby. Hla said, "I was very worried when I heard that I will need an expensive C-section. I could not think of anyone to help pay for my surgery, and I felt stressed about giving birth through a C-section. After I heard from BCMF staff that donors could help pay for my surgery, I started to feel so much more relaxed and less worried. I still worry about my baby being born healthy."

Sareth is a 52-year-old rice farmer who needs cataract surgery so he can see clearly again. His wife is a garment worker and they have two sons, two daughters, and one grandchild. In his free time, Sareth likes to watch boxing on TV. Two years ago, Sareth developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision and photophobia. Consequently, he has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places independently. When Sareth learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On June 7th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Sareth says, "I want to be able to see better again and do all the things I need to."