Yoeun is a retired rice farmer from Kompong Cham province. She is a widow who lost her husband about 10 years ago. They did not have any children, so she lives with her niece, who is a farmer. She used to be a farmer too, planting rice, but she had to stop because of her eyesight. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. About a year ago, Yoeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty seeing in bright or low light. When Yoeun learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Yoeun is able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery and needs help raising $253 to fund her eye surgery. She shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyes will be better and I will be able to see again. I want to go out and join ceremonies, visit the pagoda, and be able to take care of myself."

Jim is a 21-year-old student from Uganda, confident, outspoken, and sociable. His father is a businessman, and his mother is a farmer. Jim is the second born in a family of four children, with two brothers and one sister currently studying. He is on school break from Senior six and hopes for the best exam results. He previously attended a local college, where he studied math, economics, and entrepreneurship with hopes of becoming an accountant. However, he is concerned about his parents' ability to afford university fees. In his free time, Jim enjoys playing football. Jim presented with a swelling at the back of his neck, which he has had for four years. This swelling causes paralysis of the neck and discomfort and prevents him from turning his neck sideways. It has significantly impacted his quality of life, causing him to no longer enjoy life as he should. Jim had never seen a doctor, but when the symptoms became severe, he sought medical attention. Jim traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 8th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Jim needs help to raise $188 to fund this procedure. Jim says, “This swelling was never painful, but from the moment it started it feels very serious, and this makes me worried. I hope to get support and undergo my surgery. This will help me regain my future so as to continue studying in good health.”

Samuel is a 10-month-old baby boy from Haiti. He is the first born child of his parents. Samuel has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Samuel has been experiencing increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Samuel will experience severe physical and developmental delays. On February 1st, Samuel will undergo surgery at Hospital Bernard Mevs to treat his hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available. Surgeons will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Samuel's brain, reducing intracranial pressure and greatly improving his quality of life. With proper treatment, Samuel will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of this surgery. His parents are looking forward to their child being healthy after surgery, hopeful that he can live a good life ahead.