Mao is a 73-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. She is a widow, as her husband died six years ago due to a heart attack. Now, she has two sons, seven daughters, and 26 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. About two years ago, Mao developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, similar to 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Mao said, "I hope after surgery, I can see better, easily go out to join ceremonies, and recognize my relatives well."

Maly is a 56-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her elderly mother, and grows rice for a living. In her free time, Maly enjoys planting vegetables around her home. About six years ago, Maly was involved in a motorcycle accident, causing a severe injury to her right leg. She underwent several procedures, but currently her right ankle remains fused in an equinus position, causing pain in her right toes, and making it difficult to put weight on her foot. She currently walks in crutches, and has difficulty moving around independently. When Maly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for 4 hours seeking treatment. On September 8th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to improve the position and stability of her foot, reduce pain, and help her walk more comfortably. Maly is able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help raising $536 more to fund the procedure. She says, “I hope this surgery will reduce the pain in my right foot and help me walk more comfortably, without depending so much on crutches. I wish to be able to move around more independently, and return to my daily activities.”

Albertina is a two-week-old girl from Tanzania, and the youngest child in her family of nine children. Her mother maintains their home and cares for the children, while her father works as a fisherman to provide for the family. Albertina was born with clubfoot on her left foot, a congenital condition in which the foot is turned inward. Without appropriate treatment, this condition can affect her ability to wear shoes and walk comfortably as she grows. Soon after her birth, Albertina's family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, for assessment and treatment. The referral gave the family hope that their newborn daughter could receive the specialized care she needed. Albertina is scheduled for treatment, and will be fitted with a foot abduction brace (FAB), which she will wear as part of her treatment plan until the age of five to help prevent her clubfoot from recurring. The treatment will begin on October 20th, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341. After treatment, Albertina will have the opportunity for better mobility, and enjoying her childhood milestones. “We are grateful that our daughter has a chance to receive treatment, and grow up like other children,” said Albertina's mother.