Thorn is a 70-year-old woman and now retired as a laborer. She has five siblings and lives with her niece who is a farmer. Thorn enjoys listening to the monks praying on the radio and at the pagoda when she is able to go. One year ago, Thorn developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing, recognizing neighbors, and being independent. When Thorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours with her niece seeking treatment. On January 5th, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Thorn said, "I hope after surgery I can see well so I can help my niece plant crops to earn money and be able to spend more time caring for my family."

Chulsa is a 10-year old student in the third grade. When he was only one year old he was burned by hot water. His mother brought him to a clinic near their home to be treated. His skin eventually healed, but he developed a burn contracture (permanent shortening of a muscle or joint) on his finger. It is now difficult for him to use his finger. Chulsa has one sister who is six years old. His mother is a factory worker and his father is a construction worker. When Chulsa's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled across Cambodia for seven hours seeking treatment. On January 11th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to help Chulsa use his hand completely. Now, his family needs help to fund this $477 procedure. Chulsa told us how hopeful he is that he can finally use his finger more easily than before.

Yee is a 65-year-old grandmother from Thailand. She lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and five grandchildren. Yee is a homemaker and takes care of her youngest grandchildren. Her daughter and her eldest grandson are agricultural day labourers, and her son-in-law works as a carpenter. Yee has abdominal pain that becomes more severe after she eats. She is now longer able to do any household chores due to her condition. Doctors have advised Yee to undergo a cholecystectomy, a procedure where her gallbladder is surgically removed. If left untreated, Yee's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Yee is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on December 28th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Yee's procedure and care. Yee shared, "I am scared to have surgery but I will have to be strong and I hope that my pain will be gone after I receive surgery."