Voeun is a retired rice farmer from Kompong Thom province in Cambodia. He is 73 years-old and married with two sons, three daughters, and five grandchildren. One of his daughters and her husband live nearby and help support Voeun and his wife by working in the rice fields. The other children help when they can. In his free time, Voeun likes listening to the news on the radio and going to the pagoda to pray. About one year ago, Voeun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Voeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He shared, "I hope after surgery I can recognize my grandchildren better and I would like to go to the pagoda on my own without my family worrying about me."

Alice is the eldest sibling among six children. She has a passion for cooking and a fondness for rice. As a dedicated grade 6 pupil, she dreams of becoming a surgeon to aid patients in dire need. Alice's mother runs a small shop and her father sells milk. Alice's mother noticed an unusual bend in her back, which progressively worsened. Despite her inability to bend and persistent complaints of pain, visits to various hospitals and diagnostic tests offered no clear direction for treatment. Their hope was rekindled when they learned about AIC-CURE Hospital from a friend. At CURE, Alice was recommended for Posterior Instrumented Spine Fusion, a surgical procedure aimed at correcting her condition and preventing further progression. The treatment is scheduled for March 19th and is expected to significantly improve Alice's quality of life, allowing her to walk without pain and continue going to school. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 for the treatment. Alice shared, “I am looking forward to a complete healing and resuming back to my normal life.”

May is a 59-year-old mother of four, living with her family in a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. While May and one of her daughters manage their household, her husband serves as a minister. Her two sons teach at a bible school within the camp. May began experiencing stomach pain and noticed an increase in the size of her abdomen. She has difficulty moving, sitting for long periods, walking, and sleeping. The doctors at our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, diagnosed May with a suspected malignant ovarian tumor. She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on March 6th at Mae Sot General Hospital. She is seeking $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. May said, “My condition means my children have to help me with my household and personal duties when my pain becomes too much. I want to go back to working with my husband in the church after my surgery if I am okay.”