Abel is a 75-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a sharp man who is advanced in age but is still strong and active. He is the proud father of six children. Of his three sons, two are teachers and one is in the bodaboda business. His daughters are all married and work as farmers. In his evenings, he passes the time grazing his goats and sheep. For the past three years, Abel has experienced left inguinal swelling and has had a left inguinal hernia. The swelling causes sharp pain, especially when lifting heavy objects. He cannot stand or sit for long periods, and the swelling intensifies when he coughs or laughs. Due to limited finances, he has never been to the hospital until recently when the pain became unbearable. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Abel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Abel says, “I hope I will surely get better after being operated and I am happy that the hospital bill will be settled.”

Von is a 68-year-old loving grandfather from Cambodia. He retired from being a policeman and now works as a security guard at a local zoo. He is married and has one daughter, six sons, and four grandchildren. After work, he and his wife like to listen to the news and the monks' prayers on the radio. Four years ago, Von developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. His poor vision makes it difficult for him to see in bright or low light, making his work very challenging. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places on his own. When Von learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for eight hours seeking treatment. On July 14th, 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. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Von said, "I hope, after surgery, I can see better. I want to recognize things, go to work well, and help my wife take care of our grandchildren."

Sok Him is a 25 year-old garment factory worker, living in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, with her husband and five year old son. Sok Him's husband supports the family by working as a delivery driver. Until recently, Sok Him had been a homemaker. However, she has decided to return to work, as her son is about to enter kindergarten. Sok Him was born with polydactyly of her left hand, which means that she has an extra thumb on that hand. This condition makes it difficult for her to use her left hand at work. On July 3rd, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $299 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Sok Him will feel more comfortable, and she will be able to use her hand more easily, especially as she returns to work. Sok Him shared: "I hope I can have surgery so that I can do my work more easily."