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."

Sarai is 56 years old and a mother of four from Malawi. She works as a handicraft worker, while her husband is a retired teacher. She traveled over 200 kilometers seeking surgical support for a thyroid condition that has severely affected her quality of life. Ten years ago, Sarai began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling on her neck. Since it caused no discomfort at the time, she did not seek medical attention. However, in 2024, the swelling grew bigger and started to cause pain. She started to experience difficulty swallowing, restricted neck movement, and challenges with daily activities, including climbing stairs. Sarai was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), where she was diagnosed with a goiter involving the swelling of both thyroid lobes. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Sarai receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on October 2nd at PIH, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Sarai said, "I can't swallow and breathe well. Your support will save my life."

Sarin is a 55-year-old Khmer noodle maker from Cambodia. She is married and has two daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who has a disability and is unable to work. Her two children are construction workers. In her free time, she likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Sarin 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Sarin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On October 29th, 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. Sarin shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go back to work and not worry about my eye anymore."