Sovan is a 73-year-old widow. She has two sons, four daughters, and 13 grandchildren. She lives in Phnom Penh province with her oldest daughter and her family. When she was younger, she wove and sold Khmer-designed cloth, but now she has retired and spends her days inside, helping with cooking or visiting her local pagoda to pray. A year ago, Sovan developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her tearing, blurry vision, and difficulty recognizing the faces of her family. She is most afraid that she will fall when crossing the dirt road near the house or taking the steps up to the pagoda. 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, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Sovan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On March 12th, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sovan shared, "I hope after surgery I can see and go outside to join ceremonies at the pagoda, do housework, and take care of myself."

Noelanie is a playful preschooler from Haiti who loves music and dancing. She lives with her parents and two older siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; Noelanie has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels near her heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. The care Noelanie needs is not available within Haiti so she will travel to the United States to receive treatment. On February 9th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a device attached to the end of a catheter to fill the hole. Another organization, Gift of Life New York, is contributing $4000 towards her surgery. Noelanie's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep, travel, and follow up medical care. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Noelanie's family overseas. Noelanie's mother says, "Our family has been praying for years that Noelanie's heart would be fixed one day, and we are so happy to know it is happening."

Mostafa is a 25-year-old restaurant promoter. He lives in Phnom Penh with his mother and three siblings. His mother runs a street cart selling drinks, and his siblings help support the family in other jobs. When he's not working, Mostafa enjoys playing soccer, and spending time with his brothers. In mid-December, Mostafa was in a motorbike accident, and dislocated his left elbow. Right after the accident, he sought treatment at a nearby clinic, but his arm has not yet healed. He is in chronic pain, and has limited function in his left arm due to stiffness. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 15th, Mostafa will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This surgery will enable Mostafa to regain the full use of his arm. Mostafa shared: "I hope I can use my arm like before the accident, so I can work and drive my motorbike more easily."