Vanny is a 62-year-old woman from Cambodia. She doesn't have any children and is a widow; her husband passed away about 20 years ago from meningitis. She previously sold Khmer desserts on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Now, Vanny enjoys going to the pagoda in her free time. About two years ago, due to her age, Vanny developed a cataract in her right eye. This has been causing her sensitivity to light, 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. Vanny is worried about falling when walking, and she is not able to go places on her own. When Vanny learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour to seek treatment. Fortunately, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye on March 9th. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, our medical partner is requesting $263 to help fund Vanny's procedure. Vanny said, "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve so I can return to making and selling Khmer desserts, travel to farther places, and recognize my relatives more clearly."

Zubeir is a 20-month-old baby from Kenya. His father takes on occasional environmental cleaning jobs offered by the government, work that may come only once or twice a year. Seven months after Zubeir was born, his parents began to notice something that unsettled their hearts. Zubeir 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, Zubeir has been experiencing his head growing larger than normal. They rushed him to a nearby medical facility in their desperation for answers. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Zubeir that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 12th and will drain the excess fluid from Zubeir's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Zubeir will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “Every day I see him, I see strength and possibility. I pray the surgery will help him shine even brighter,” Zubeir’s father shared.

Josephy is a 76-year-old farmer from Malawi. He has spent most of his life working the land and continues to tend to his crops through small-scale irrigation farming. With his nine children all grown and living on their own, he spends his quieter days with his wife and grandchildren. For the past two months, Josephy has been living with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The hernia has grown and begun to cause severe pain that spreads through his pelvis and down his right leg, slowing him down and keeping him from the farming work he loves. Fortunately, on May 7th, Josephy will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Josephy is contributing to his treatment, but needs help in raising $500 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I am used to working with my hands and taking care of my home. This pain has made me feel weak and unable to do what I love. If I can have this surgery, I believe I will be able to go back to my life again. I am asking for support so I can be well.”