Meseret is a brave 24-year-old woman from Ethiopia who is independent and works hard in the flower industry to make a living. Since she was two years old, she has lived with the effects of a serious burn accident. Because her family could only provide basic care at home when it happened, her scars have become very tight over the years. This tightness has pulled her skin so much that she can no longer move her arm or hand freely, making her daily manual labor much more difficult. Twenty-two years ago, as a young child, Meseret suffered a traumatic burn after falling into a fire. Due to a lack of immediate medical access at the time, the injury was managed exclusively with traditional home remedies rather than clinical hospital care. Working in the flower industry is physically demanding for Meseret. It requires constant reaching, careful sorting, and a steady hand needed to pluck petals or apply protective chemicals. For this young woman, the tightness in her skin is a major daily hurdle that affects her speed and physical comfort. Even though Meseret has struggled to move easily for a long time, she is incredibly determined. She consistently pushes herself to do extra work, hoping to show her supervisors that she is a hardworking staff member and to ensure her job is secure every single day. When Meseret learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, she traveled for many hours to seek treatment. Fortunately, Meseret will receive treatment on March 19th. The surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore a natural range of motion, which will be a life-changing milestone, marking the first time since she was a toddler that her limb has moved without restriction. This change will allow Meseret to fulfill her duties in the flower field without the persistent physical strain caused by the contractures. For her, this surgery is the key to finally working with comfort and moving her body the way it was meant to move. Now, our medical partner is requesting $500 to fund this procedure. "I have lived so long with these struggles that I forgot what it feels like to be whole. I am so excited to finally do the things that used to be impossible for me. I want to work in the fields and move my arm freely, leaving behind the pain and the limits that have defined my life since I was a child," said Meseret.

Sarun is a 72-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province. He is married and has four daughters and 15 grandchildren. Presently, Sarun lives with his wife, who is also a farmer, and his first born daughter who has mental problem. Sarun likes to watch boxing on the TV. About two years ago, Sarun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Sarun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Sarun is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says: "I hope that after surgery my eye can see better easily, so I can go back to growing rice and go places on my own."

Sakhorn is 69 years old and a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. He has one daughter, three sons, and seven grandchildren. Sakhorn lives near his daughter, who is also a rice farmer. He likes to listen to the radio and go to the pagoda. About two years ago, Sakhorn experienced a traumatic incident that led to a condition in his left eye called retinal detachment, where the thin tissues at the back of the eye pull away from their usual position. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sakhorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours to seek treatment. On April 7th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Our medical partner is requesting $706 to fund his procedure. Sakhorn said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can go out and do housework."