Sophea is a 57-year-old cleaner from Cambodia. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. She lives with her eldest daughter, who works as a garment worker. In her free time, Sophea enjoys listening to music. About six months ago, Sophea developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing clearly, particularly colors and faces. Moreover, Sophea has difficulty traveling independently. Sophea visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, seeking treatment. On October 22nd, Sophea will undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant surgery in her right eye. Her family can contribute $40, but needs help raising $223 more to help fund her procedure and care. Sophea shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily, and I can go back to work without having to worry about my eye anymore."

Savoeun is a 64-year-old woman from Cambodia. She previously worked as a rice farmer and is now retired. She is married and has three sons, three daughters, and fifteen grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who is also a retired farmer, and they are supported financially by their children. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the radio and listening to monks' prayers. For the past two years, Savoeun has been living with age-related cataracts. She 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 Savoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 8th, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Savoeun said, "I hope that after cataract surgery, my vision will improve so that I can recognize my relatives more easily and go outside with greater confidence and independence."

Kidus is a seven-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is in the first grade, and lives with his parents and sister. His father works as a taxi driver, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker who prioritizes her children's care above all else. Two years ago, Kidus started to experience throat pain, appetite loss and disrupted sleep. He was diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis, which has led to frequent medical appointments, impacting his school attendance. Due to this Kidus is finding it difficult to keep up with his studies. If not treated, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kidus, which is scheduled to take place on June 6th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kidus of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Hopeful for Kidus's improved sleep, and a better focus on his education after treatment, his parents say: "Beyond the financial burden, his illness has deeply affected our family's well-being. We are incredibly hopeful for this next chapter, as the upcoming surgery promises a fresh start for our son and our family."