Mattana is an only child and lives with her parents in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. Her parents are rice farmers. She enjoys watching TV and eating homemade soup prepared by her mother. Mattana was born with cerebral palsy, which affects her ability to move around and requires her to use a wheelchair. Cerebral palsy can make muscles and tendons tight. This tightness shortens the muscles and tendons over time. It can cause pain and create abnormalities in the tendons and muscles, affecting mobility. Using a wheelchair also increases her risk of pressure sores on her skin. In addition to her mobility challenges, she has a learning disability, is primarily non-verbal, and does not attend school. Because Mattana's condition is difficult to treat, she was referred by a national children's hospital to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Surgeons have determined that she would benefit from correction of her muscle spasticity - the abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscle. This will eventually help her to stand and walk. On March 5th, Mattana will undergo an ankle, calf, hamstring, and Achilles tendon lengthening. Mattana's parents now need help with the cost of the $572 procedure. After surgery, they hope she can increase her range of motion, reduce pain, and make sitting, standing, and walking more comfortable. Mattana's mother said: "I hope my daughter feels better after surgery and can go to school like other children."

Maly is a 62-year-old farmer from Kandal province who grows vegetables and mint with her husband. She and her husband have four children - two sons and two daughters. They also have two grandchildren. They live with their youngest daughter and son, who are both students. She likes to watch TV news and Khmer dramas in her free time. About five months ago, Maly developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Increasing irritation from the sun prevents her from working in the garden and she struggles with simple tasks around the house. When Maly learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Maly needs help raising $253 to fully fund this procedure. Maly shared, "I hope that after the surgery, I will be able to see clearly and farm vegetables with my husband. I don’t want to worry about my eyes anymore and I want to go out with confidence."

Suzan is a 30 year old farmer in southwestern Uganda. Despite completing 7th grade, she couldn't proceed with further education due to a lack of school fees. She engages in farming, cultivating food crops on her small piece of land primarily for home consumption. She also sells the surplus to generate income for her family. She is a devoted mother of two children, one in nursery and another in primary class three. She takes pleasure in caring for her children, handling their washing and cooking for them. Seeing her children enjoy the food she has prepared herself brings her great joy. Her husband works as a builder, and they reside in a three-room mud-built house. Suzan recounts that her last child was delivered via caesarean section but sadly passed away at 3 months. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting her fourth child. She's been attending antenatal care at Nyakibale Hospital. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of her higher risk. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Suzan undergo a caesarean section on December 12th. This procedure will cost $252, and Suzan needs your support. Suzan says, “With your support, I hope for a successful delivery, a live baby and a full recovery even afterward.”