Chanthorn is a 21-year-old mango farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his mother and older brother in the village where he grew up. He has four other siblings, and they live in nearby villages with their families. One year ago, while Chanthorn was lifting a crate of mangoes, he suddenly experienced a sharp pain in his back. The pain persisted and he noticed a curvature in his spine. He experiences chronic daily pain due to his injury. Chanthorn's injury has prevented him from working on the farm. He also used to enjoy playing soccer every evening with his friends in the village, but is unable to due to his injury. Chanthorn traveled five and a half hours to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for a diagnosis and treatment. On March 20th, our surgeons will perform surgery to align his spine using implants. This procedure will ease his pain and allow him to return to work. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund his procedure. The costs will cover surgery and in-patient care, including physiotherapy. Chanthorn's mother said, "I hope my son will feel healthy again and be able to return to work on the farm."

Sok is an 80 year-old retired rice farmer from Kompong Thom province. Since her husband died five years ago, she has been living alone. Her six children and twelve grandchildren live in neighboring villages. The family checks in on her often, but it has become increasingly difficult for Sok to go out on her own due to deteriorating vision. She misses going to the pagoda to pray and taking walks. Her favorite things are her grandchildren and listening to Buddhist radio. About one year ago, Sok developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her 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, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Sok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sok shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better, easily go out on my own, and recognize my family."

Huon is a widowed grandmother from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. She is 77 years old and has three daughters, four sons, and 20 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest son, who works at a garment factory in the province. Ten years ago, her beloved husband passed away from untreated high blood pressure. Huon no longer works in the rice paddies due to her age, but likes to stay connected to her community by visiting the local pagoda to listen to the monks pray. About one year ago,, Huon developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurred vision. She no longer leaves the house alone, because she is afraid she will trip and fall from the steps on their traditional stilt house. 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, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Huon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, 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. Huon is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and needs help raising $153 more to fund the procedure. Huon says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so I can visit the pagoda by myself, and take care of myself and my grandchildren."