Sophal is a 63-year-old sugar cane seller from Cambodia. She has two children, five grandchildren, and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Sophal developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sophal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On December 23rd, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $211 procedure. "I hope that I will be able to see clearly and can return to my work selling sugar cane," she shared.

Abdulkirim is a baby from Ethiopia. He is a cute boy who loves to play with other children and with his mom. He is a happy child and has one sibling. Abdulkirim underwent a colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but colostomies are usually temporary and may call for closure. In Abdulkirim's case, his colostomy requires closure in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,057 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Abdulkirim. The surgery is scheduled to take place on June 30 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Abdulkirim's mom shared, "We sold all our animals and we asked for help from our community twice. When we came to Addis Ababa, our son had already undergone two operations and we were struggling with finances. We were out of money to even pay for our hotel. I was so worried and afraid, but we are now hopeful that he will get the surgery and it will be successful. We hope he will grow up to be a healthy boy and achieve a lot by getting a good education.”

Chim is a 58-year-old farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife and two school-aged children. His wife works with him planting rice. When he is not working, he will walk with his kids to school and does housework. He also loves to watch boxing on TV. Eight years ago, Chim developed a pterygium in left eye, causing him discomfort, pain, and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Chim learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two-and-a-half hours by taxi seeking treatment. Chim needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for July 6th. Chim shared, "I hope after surgery I will see well and my family won't have to worry about my eye anymore. I want to continue my work and do everything to support my family."