Chhoum Malay is a widow and loving mom to four sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a seller at a local coffee shop in Phnom Penh. Chhom Malay lost her husband about ten years ago when he passed away from a brain tumor, so she now helps her daughter with the housework and cooking. In the evening, she likes to watch dramas on their TV. Seven months ago, Chhoum Malay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing and trouble seeing to eat or drink in low light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Chhoum Malay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform small incision 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 $253 procedure. Chhoum Malay's daughter said: "After surgery, we hope my mother can see well again, go outside by herself, and help me with housework."

Norlan is a 35-year-old father from the Philippines. Norlan did not finish his education, but as a father he is committed to making sure his two children finish school so they will not have to experience the hardships he experienced. He also dreams of going abroad to make sure his children will live a better life. Norlan currently works as a tricycle driver and earns $14 a day, which is mostly dedicated to the family's daily needs. Two years ago, Norlan began to experience troubling symptoms, including irritation, pain, and bowel obstruction. His condition affected his work and therefore the family's income. Norlan needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Norlan receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on February 3rd at WSFP's care center. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,285 to cover the cost of Norlan's procedure and care. "I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity because my income is not enough for the surgery and hospitalization," says Norlan. "We have nothing else to rely on so I am grateful to this organization and grateful to the people behind this."

Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."