Siphon is a 69-year-old woman from Cambodia. She used to sell Khmer rice cakes in Phnom Penh. She lives with her husband, who currently cannot walk because he suffered a hip fracture after a fall. Siphon's favorite hobby is listening to monks chanting on her phone. About two years ago, Siphon 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Siphon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On June 8th, 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. She can contribute $75, but needs help raising $188 more to fund her procedure and care. Siphon said, "I have an age-related cataract and hope that after surgery, my vision will improve. Better eyesight will help me return to making and selling Khmer rice cakes, recognize my relatives more easily, and travel to places independently and safely."

Kemert is a three-year-old girl who lives in Ethiopia with her parents and brother. Her father works as a teacher, and her mother is a homemaker. Shortly after Kemert was born, she began experiencing recurrent tonsillitis. During these episodes, her throat becomes swollen and painful, she develops a fever, and she struggles to breathe, eat, and sleep. These periods of illness are emotionally difficult for Kemert and her family, who say the hardest part is watching her fight to breathe. Although tonsillitis can sometimes resolve on its own, doctors are recommending surgery because Kemert’s condition is severe and keeps returning. Currently, Kemert is experiencing symptoms and has been for about three months. Without treatment, her symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kemert, which is scheduled to take place on May 10th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Kemert of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Kemert’s family hopes for a future where she can feel peaceful during the day and sleep quietly through the night. Instead of being easily annoyed, tired all the time, and feeling sick, they want her to feel healthy and rested.

Ty is a 24-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. His wife works as a footwear factory worker. His father is a rice farmer, and his mother works in a garment factory. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends in his village. When he was 13 years old, Ty had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Ty experiences chronic ear discharge, hearing loss, itchiness, and tinnitus or ringing in the ear. The condition has significantly affected his daily life. He has difficulty hearing and communicating with others, which often leads to frustration and emotional distress. It also affects his sleep and social interactions. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Ty receive treatment. On June 9th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. He can contribute $75, but needs help raising $288 more needed for his procedure and care. Ty said, “I have lived with hearing problems since I was young. I hope this surgery will improve my hearing so I can communicate more easily and enjoy a better quality of life.”