Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will 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 $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."

Patrocenio is a 63-year-old man from the Philippines. Two years ago, Patrocenio consulted a doctor about persistent abdominal pain. At times, the pain was so severe that he could not walk or perform simple daily chores. The attacks came without warning, leaving him uncertain about when the next episode would occur. After examination, the doctor explained that Patrocenio had gallstones and advised that they be removed through surgery. Patrocenio tried to seek help from different hospitals, but has not been able to undergo the surgery he needed. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 29th, Patrocenio will undergo gallbladder removal surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,325 to fund his procedure and care. Patrocenio shared, "Work had always been on my mind ever since my condition became worse. I want to move normally as I did before - working, doing house chores, and going out more to enjoy even the simplest of things."

Kosal is a 35-year-old man from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Phnom Penh with his wife, who stays at home to care for their two children. Their eldest child is in Grade 3 and the youngest is in kindergarten. He works as a lathe operator to support his family and enjoys going fishing in his free time. For the past two years, Kosal has had a lump on his left ankle. It began as a small swelling and gradually increased in size over time. The mass has slowly enlarged and continues to cause discomfort and intermittent pain in the ankle. It makes daily activities such as sitting, dressing, and walking more difficult, and affects his comfort during work and movement. Kosal traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 21st, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Now, Kosal needs help to raise $334 to fund this procedure. He said: “I hope that this surgery will remove the mass and relieve my pain, so I can move freely again, return to my work comfortably, and take care of my family without difficulty.”