Srey Touch is a 33-year-old mom of six from Cambodia. She lives in a rural village with her daughter and five sons. Outside of working as a full-time cleaner, she enjoys spending time with her kids and cooking. Fourteen years ago, Srey Touch had an ear infection that caused the eardrum in her left ear to perforate, leading to pain and hearing loss. She has trouble communicating and experiences discomfort from ear pain. Srey Touch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), to receive treatment. On March 7th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear during which surgeons will close the perforation. CSC is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This amount will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Srey Touch said, "I would like to be able to communicate with my children more easily."

Saron is a 60-year-old Khmer traditional musician. He lives in Cambodia with his wife, who is a singer. As artists were targeted during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, the few surviving traditional musicians are well-respected in Cambodia. Together, they have one daughter, two sons, and eight grandchildren. In his free time, Saron likes to listen to music and take care of his grandchildren. About six months ago, Saron developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go out independently. When Saron learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 5th, 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 surgery. Saron shared: “After surgery, I hope I can easily go out, recognize things well, and play music again.”

Abel is a 75-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a sharp man who is advanced in age but is still strong and active. He is the proud father of six children. Of his three sons, two are teachers and one is in the bodaboda business. His daughters are all married and work as farmers. In his evenings, he passes the time grazing his goats and sheep. For the past three years, Abel has experienced left inguinal swelling and has had a left inguinal hernia. The swelling causes sharp pain, especially when lifting heavy objects. He cannot stand or sit for long periods, and the swelling intensifies when he coughs or laughs. Due to limited finances, he has never been to the hospital until recently when the pain became unbearable. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Abel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Abel says, “I hope I will surely get better after being operated and I am happy that the hospital bill will be settled.”