Lin is a 35-year-old fish seller from Prey Veng province. He is married and has one son and one daughter. He lives together, his wife is also a fish seller, and his children are students. In his free time, he likes to listen to the news on his phone and play volleyball. About one year ago, Lin developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Lin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On June 10, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Lin said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I can go back to selling fish well again, and I can drive my motorcycle and bring my children to school easily, and can go far places well."

Yadesa is an 80-year-old man from Ethiopia. He is a retired merchant who spent his life working hard and building an independent life. Since the deeply sad loss of his beloved wife, he has found comfort and support by moving in with one of his two brothers. One year ago, Yadesa developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision and burning sensation. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. For a man who spent his whole life actively connecting with the world through buying and selling, this slow darkening of his sight is truly heartbreaking. It has made it incredibly hard for him to talk and spend time with his loved ones, enjoy the world around him, and hold onto the dignity and independence that have always defined who he is. Fortunately, Yadesa is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Yadesa shared, "I hope to regain the independence I so deeply miss, allowing me to navigate my home and enjoy the company of my brother with newfound ease and confidence."

Raya is a four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is a middle child in a family of three boys, and just completed KG 1. His father works as a day laborer, while his mother takes care of their home. For about a year now, Raya has been experiencing severe tonsillitis. It started with throat pain, trouble sleeping and difficult in breathing. The illness has impacted the joy and experiences of his growing up. He finds it difficult to run around, play games or interact with his two brothers. Doctors have advised that Raya needs to undergo surgery, but unfortunately his family cannot afford it. If the condition is left untreated, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Raya, which is scheduled to take place on August 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Raya of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. "We are worried about our son's health and accruing hospital bills. Our only wish is for him to be healthy, eat his food, and run around playing like any other child his age," his parents shared.