Kolab is a 52-year-old rice farmer from Ratanakkiri province in rural Cambodia. She is married with two sons, four daughters, and six grandchildren. Her children have left home, and Kolab and her husband earn a small income through working in the rice fields and raising cattle. When not working, she enjoys listening to traditional Cambodian music, watching the news on her phone, and cooking for her grandchildren. About six months ago, Kolab 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 Kolab learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for eight hours seeking treatment. On May 15th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Kolab can contribute $50 but needs help raising $203 more to fund the procedure. Kolab shared, "I hope after surgery I can see more clearly. I would like to find more jobs after the rice is harvested to help my family."

Shantel, a friendly nine-year-old girl from Kenya, is the eldest of two siblings in her family. She is currently in primary school and enjoys playing with her friends and making new ones. According to her parents, Shantel adds vibrancy and liveliness to their household. Her father works as a casual laborer in construction sites, while her mother is a greengrocer in their neighborhood. About two weeks ago, while Shantel was walking along the road with her mother, sister, and her mother's friend and her daughter, a vehicle lost control and flipped over towards them, resulting in injuries to all of them. Shantel was hit on the left leg and sustained bruises on her thigh and an open fracture of the tibia (shinbone) as confirmed by an X-ray. She is currently in chronic pain, and is unable to walk. Doctors at our medical partner's care center have recommended a procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), but the family is unable to meet the cost of surgery. If left untreated, Shantel may develop serious complications and may never be able to use her leg again. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Shantel receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nazareth Hospital will perform an ORIF procedure to allow her to walk easily and alleviate her pain. Now, Shantel's family needs help to fund this $1,049 procedure. Shantel’s father says: "Please help my daughter. Since the accident involving my family, I have not slept but I thank God that they are all alive. I request for support so that my daughter's leg can be treated, and she can go back to school."

Joseanne is an eight-month-old infant that lives with her parents and four older siblings in Bolivia. Joseanne's father is a day-laborer and her mother is a homemaker. As a young baby, Joseanne struggled to breathe and gain weight. When she was taken to hospital, doctors soon diagnosed her with multiple heart defects; a hole between the two upper chambers, a hole between the two lower chambers, and a hole between two major blood vessels. In addition, Joseanne was diagnosed with Down syndrome, a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome, causing developmental and intellectual delays. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is helping Joseanne receive treatment. On March 20th, she will undergo a congenital cardiac surgery so that blood can flow normally through her heart and body. Now, Joseanne's family needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Joseanne's mother says: "Our family has been very worried about our daughter's health, and we are hopeful that after this surgery she can finally gain strength!"