Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Saveoeun is a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province. She is a 66-year-old woman and has four sons, one daughter, and 13 grandchildren. She lives with her husband and her oldest daughter, who is a farmer. During her free time, she likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Saveoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Saveoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 11th, 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. She can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure and care. Saveoeun said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better so I can easily go out and recognize people. I feel happy, and I want to grow vegetables around my home for selling."

Hirphasa is a 68-year-old father of ten children from Ethiopia. Hirphasa lost his wife eight years ago, and has dedicated his life to raising his family of six boys and four girls. Throughout his decades working the land, he took great pride in being hardworking and completely self-sufficient. Hirphasa is presently facing a difficult chapter in his life, as cataracts slowly cloud his left eye, causing his vision to blur and making it very hard for him to see at night. This gradual loss of sight has taken away his independence, making him rely heavily on his children just to get around and handle daily tasks. Fortunately, on August 19th, Hirphasa is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, where surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Hirphasa needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. "I hope to take the heavy weight of caregiving off my family, regain my strength, and bring bright days and joy back to my home," said Hirphasa