Si Yol is an active 71-year-old grandmother from Kandal province. She and her husband live with their daughter and grandchild. Her husband is a farmer, and her daughter sells groceries. Si Yol works part-time as an assistant of communes and likes to watch TV news in her spare time. About one year ago, Si Yol developed a cataract in her right 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. When Si Yol 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 right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Si Yol needs help raising $253 to fully fund the procedure. She shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyesight will improve. I want to go out and recognize and see people and things easily. I also want to write and read well."

Saw Kler is a 14-year-old boy who lives with his parents, three older sisters, and one younger brother, in a village in Karenni State, Burma. Saw Kler’s parents and two of his older sisters are farmers. When he is older, Saw Kler would like to become a minister. Saw Kler stopped going to school two years ago as he began to have frequent seizures. Doctors found that Saw Kler has a heart condition that requires the replacement of two heart valves and the repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Because of his condition, Saw Kler feels tired and has an irregular heart rate, resulting in an inability to walk long distances. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for the complex surgery Saw Kler needs. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on April 9th, and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably, and to have a more active and healthy life ahead. Saw Kler said: “I feel sad when I see my friends are playing football and having fun. I want to play with them, but I cannot run like them, as I always feel tired. I want to continue my studies if my condition improves.”

Jojina, a single mother from Malawi, is 52 years old and has five children ranging in age from 15 to 29. They all live together in a two bedroom house, in addition to Jojina's mother, her uncle who is blind, and her four grandchildren. She earns a living by brewing and selling a local brew. Fifteen years ago, Jojina noted a small swelling on her neck that was not painful at the time. At first, she thought it would go away on its own, but it instead got bigger. She visited different herbalists to no avail. In 2022, she visited a nearby hospital, and was referred to the regional hospital, where after examinations, a diagnosis of goiter was made. She was sent home and asked to wait for her surgery date. Early this year, she started experiencing breathlessness and neck pain. She is presently unable to carry heavy items on her head and can no longer work as usual, which has significantly reduced her income. Jojina made a decision to visit our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), after hearing that other people with similar problems had been assisted at the center. Early this month, her diagnosis was confirmed at PIH and a surgical intervention called thyroidectomy was recommended. Jojina could however not afford the cost of treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jojina receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at PIH will perform a thyroidectomy to alleviate pain and discomfort, and allow Jojina to resume work and continue supporting her family. Now, Jojina needs help to fund this $1,015 procedure. Jojina says, “I am patiently waiting to be free from my symptoms, be able to work pain-free, and carry items on my head after surgery.”