Rithy Skay is a happy first-grader from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and 3-year-old sister. His father is in the army, and his mom stays at home to look after Rithy Skay and his sister, as well as her aging parents. At school, Rithy Skay likes music class and learning to write the Khmer alphabet. He would like to be in the military when he grows up, like his dad. For the last two years, Rithy Skay has been experiencing a sore throat, snoring, and difficulty swallowing. Being frequently ill causes him to miss school, and he has lost weight in the last six months due to skipping meals because of the pain he experiences swallowing. Rithy Skay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, on May 8th, Rithy Skay will undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, in which surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids. The surgery will relieve Rithy Skay's symptoms and help him live much more comfortably. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), requests $265 to fund this procedure. When asked about their hopes for his future, Rithy Skay's parents shared their hopes that he can be healthy and no longer have to miss school.

Janet is a 23-year-old young lady from Uganda. She is currently a student in her final year pursuing a diploma in accounting. She is the youngest of three children. Her parents work as farmers and own a four-room mud house for shelter. Janet has had a right inguinal hernia for two years. After a year, she visited a nearby health unit and was given medication, but there was no improvement in her condition. Currently, she experiences on-and-off swelling, and it is very painful when it appears. This is common whenever she walks long distances, develops a cough, or needs to squat down. On March 22nd, Janet will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) is requesting $170 to fund Janet's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Janet says, “I believe my condition is abnormal and I am worried. I pray that I may have a successful surgery and be able to take on my studies comfortably.”

Saron is a 61-year-old security guard from Kompong Chhnang in Cambodia. He is married and has four sons, four daughters, and sixteen grandchildren. His wife sells prahok, a fermented fish paste sauce sometimes called "Cambodian cheese." Most of his children help support the family by working at garment factories. In his free time, Saron enjoys listening to the news on the radio. About one year ago, Saron developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go out on his own. When Saron learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Saron said: "I hope I can see more clearly for my work and be less scared to drive my motorbike."