Yeng is a 61-year-old rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. She is married and has three daughters, one son and six grandchildren. She lives with her husband who is a rice farmer and with her youngest daughter who is a student. She likes to watch funny movies on the TV. About one year ago, Yeng 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 is not able to go places on her own. When Yeng 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. Yeng and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $228 to fund the surgery. Yeng said, "I hope that after surgery my eye can see clearly, so I can go back to growing rice, and visit places without worry."

Vichet is an 18-year-old university student from Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. He is currently living in Phnom Penh for the first year of his studies. His parents work as grocery sellers back home and take care of his younger sister. Vichet is the middle child of three siblings. His older brother is also a university student in his second year, and his younger sister is in first grade. Vichet enjoys playing volleyball with friends and listening to music in his free time. In 2024, Vichet was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his right femur. Following the accident in February 2024, he underwent surgery at a private clinic in Kampong Speu, where a nail was inserted into his right femur to stabilize the fracture. Vichet is currently experiencing persistent pain and stiffness in his right thigh, especially during walking and prolonged physical activity, from the hardware. This limits his mobility, reduces his comfort in daily life, and affects his ability to participate fully in university and sports activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On May 13th, Vichet will undergo a hardware removal procedure. CSC is requesting $278 to cover the cost of Vichet's care. Removal of the hardware is expected to reduce his pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and allow him to return to normal walking and daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. Vichet said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my leg, so I can walk comfortably again and return to my normal daily activities.”

Mdoe is a 14-year-old boy from Kenya. Shortly after his birth, Mdoe showed signs that his intestines were not working properly. He was brought to several hospitals, but was not given a clear diagnosis. Mdoe's condition worsened. He was visibly in pain, restless, and crying constantly. Mdoe's mother was determined to find help. She took him to a larger facility, where doctors explained that his intestines were intertwined and that he would need surgery. He would require a colostomy bag to help him pass stool. After a few days of monitoring, they were discharged. But only days later, complications arose, and Kinago underwent surgery at the same hospital. Life after surgery was far from easy. His mother took him for clinic checkups several times, striving to remain consistent with his care. But back at home, reality pressed in. Both parents engage in small-scale farming, stretching each harvest to provide for their eight children. Eventually, the cost of continued clinic visits became impossible to sustain. Now fourteen, Mdoe has never been able to attend school. It breaks his heart to watch children his age walk to class while he remains at home. His condition requires him to change his colostomy bag regularly, yet he has been using the same one since early childhood. Some schools refused to admit him. Over time, discouraged and burdened by school fees, his mother stopped trying. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On February 12th, Mdoe will undergo abdominal surgery that will improve Mdoe's quality of life. His family needs help raising $1,081 to fund his procedure and care. Mdoe's mother shared, “It is painful when your child asks you why he cannot go to school like other children. I see the longing in his eyes, and I wish I could take this condition away from him. I may not have wealth, but I have never stopped fighting for him, even when the journey felt too heavy for my shoulders.”