Rong is a 55-year-old rice farmer from Kandal province. Her husband is also a farmer, and the couple has four sons and twelve grandchildren. Some of her children work as laborers, while others are farmers. In her free time, Rong enjoys listening to the radio, especially Buddhist monks spiritual teachings. About six months ago, Rong developed an age-related cataract, which has been 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 Rong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 9th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Rong needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Rong said, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can return to growing rice more easily. I also hope to live without worrying about my eye condition."

Rebira is a 14-year-old student who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and three siblings. His father works as a guard, and his mother stays home to care for the children. Before his recent health challenges, he enjoyed playing football with his friends. About two years ago, Rebira injured his left leg while playing football. Because his family could not afford medical care, the injury went untreated. Unfortunately, the leg did not heal properly, and Rebira continues to suffer from intermittent swelling, severe pain, and difficulty walking. The pain has become so debilitating that he struggles to make the walk to school. His parents fear that, if left untreated, he may be forced to abandon his education, trapping him in a cycle of poverty. Recently, Rebira and his family attended our medical partner’s care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Following an investigation, doctors determined that he needs a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. Without treatment, Rebira may suffer from recurrent infections, which can result in life-threatening complications. On August 24th, Rebira will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Rebira's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. Rebira's parents shared, "We hope that our son will be able to easily walk to school and return to playing football with his friends again."

Chan is 54 years old and a rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, a grocery seller. They have three grown children: one works for a private company, one is a construction worker, and the youngest is a rice farmer. In addition to farming rice, he often works as a day laborer to earn extra income and support his family. Approximately eight months ago, Chan was involved in a car accident while traveling as a passenger. During the collision, he was thrown against the interior of the vehicle and sustained a fracture of his right upper arm. He initially sought treatment from a traditional healer, but the fracture failed to heal properly and developed into a non-union. He experiences ongoing pain, weakness, and limited function in his right arm. The injury makes it difficult for him to lift, carry, and perform physical work, affecting both his farming activities and his ability to earn income for his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 3rd, Chan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, where surgeons will perform open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure is expected to reduce pain, restore strength and function to his arm, and help him return to work and daily activities more comfortably. Chan can contribute $100, but needs help raising an additional $500 to fund his procedure and care. Chan said, “I have lived with this injury for many months. I hope the surgery will help my arm heal properly so I can work again, support my family, and live without pain.”