Tha is a 64-year-old retired construction worker from Cambodia. She is a widow, has one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a construction worker. Tha likes to take care of her grandchildren and make food for them. About one year ago, Tha developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Tha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On October 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Tha shared, "I hope after surgery, I can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren. I hope to go to far places and do my housework, and maybe I can grow crops at home."

Naf is a second-grader from Ethiopia. This eight-year-old and proud big brother is known for being very smart and loving to learn. For over four years, he has quietly suffered from severe tonsil problems. The symptoms worsened over the past year, interrupting a happy childhood supported by his father, a teacher who helps with his studies, and his mother, who works hard at a hair salon. Every day is a struggle for Naf. He misses a lot of school because of his health. He has trouble sleeping, struggles to breathe, breathes through his mouth during the day, and has speech issues that make it hard to talk to others. His family cares for him deeply, but the mounting medical bills have made it hard to pay for the specialized care he urgently needs. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Naf, which is scheduled to take place on September 26th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Naf of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Naf's parents shared, "We cannot wait to get the surgery done so he can smile and play like the happy, energetic kid he was four years ago."

Kerventz is a high school student from Haiti. He has been raised in an orphanage in central Haiti since he was a small child, and still lives there today. He wants to pursue a career in science. In his free time, he likes playing video games and watching soccer on TV. Kerventz has a cardiac condition called mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and shut properly as a result of an infection he suffered as a child. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Kerventz needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 11th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair his damaged valve; if unable, they will replace it with an artificial valve. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to pay for the surgery. But Kerventz's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Kerventz's family overseas. Kerventz says, "I am so glad to finally have this opportunity, I have been worrying about my heart for a long time!"