Kyaw is a 50-year-old man who lives alone in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border. He used to work as a day laborer for a grocery shop, loading and unloading items from cars. However, he stopped working one month ago, when the vision in his right eye worsened. In his free time, he enjoys reading books and cleaning in his house. Kyaw has a cataract in his right eye and can't see more than light in that eye. Because of his vision, he will often not recognize his friends while he walks past them. Though he likes to read, it now gives him headaches. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), can help. They are requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Kyaw. On February 23rd, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Kyaw's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this procedure. Kyaw shared, “I am so happy that you will support the cost of my surgery. I hope your organisation will continue to help patients in the future. Thank you so much for helping me."

Hillary is a 26-year-old salesman from southwest Uganda. He is the first born in a family of three and the only one who has completed his education. He graduated with a diploma in business management and currently works on commission as a salesman. He has to stretch his earned commission to help his mother pay for his younger siblings' school fees. His mother is a primary school teacher. Hillary has been living with a swelling on his left ear since he was seven years. The swelling was not painful enough to seek treatment. However, he has always avoided sleeping on his left side. Recently, the swell has become painful and so he finally came to Nyakibale Hospital for review. Doctors shared that he needs an excision to remove the mass, but Hillary is not able to raise the funds needed on his own. On May 10th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Hillary needs help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Hillary says: “I hope to have this swelling removed so that I can be able to lead a normal lifestyle again.”

Koem Ang is a 74-year-old grandmother with one daughter who is a coffee seller. Koem Ang takes care of her two grandchildren at home. Two years ago, Koem Ang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia and blurry vision. 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. This has also made caring for her grandchildren so much more difficult. When Koem Ang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping to access treatment. On April 6th, 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, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Koem Ang says, "I hope I can see well so I can take care of myself and help my daughter sell coffee and do housework."