Sophorn is a 68-year-old Tuk-Tuk driver from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one son, four daughters, and four grandchildren. He lives with his wife, who is a housewife, and with his oldest daughter, who works as a house cleaner. In his free time, Sophorn likes to watch the news on his phone. About two years ago, Sophorn developed a cataract in his right eye. This causes him to experience itching, tearing, and blurred vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Sophorn has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces. He is also worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Sophorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On March 16th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, our medical partner is requesting $263 to fund Sophorn's procedure. Sophorn said, "I hope after surgery I can see better, so I can go back to driving Tuk Tuk. I'm also excited to recognize people."

Fabiano is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third child in a family of eight children. His parents depend on small-scale farming and seasonal work to support the household, which makes it difficult to afford advanced surgical care. Despite these challenges, Fabiano remains active and motivated. He attends primary school and performs well in class. He enjoys reading and participating in group discussions, and he hopes to become a religious leader in the future. When he was one year old, Fabiano sustained a burn injury to his hand in a household fire. He received first aid at a nearby clinic, but as the wound healed, thick scar tissue formed and tightened, limiting the movement of his fingers and thumb. The contracture in his hand makes it difficult for him to write for long periods, grip objects firmly, and participate fully in practical school activities. His doctors recommend an amputation of the forth finger on his right hand and contracture release for the other fingers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Fabiano's surgery. After recovering, Fabiano is looking forward to doing his daily tasks such as holding tools, carrying items, and helping with chores. Fabiano says, “I want to use my hand like other students—to write well in class and hold things without pain. Treatment will help me continue my studies with confidence.”

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.”