Alex is a sweet baby from Kenya and the youngest in his family of five children. His parents own livestock but, because of an ongoing drought, they have had to sell some of their livestock to provide food for the family. Alex has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of this condition, Alex has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Alex will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Alex receive treatment. On November 16th, he will undergo a procedure to drain the excess fluid from his brain, which will decrease intracranial pressure. This treatment will help Alex as he develops into a strong, healthy young boy. AMH is requesting $720 to cover the cost of this surgery. Alex’s mother says: “It has been a very hard time for me as I have to stay with him all the time because of his condition. I want to help in the provision for my children.”

Lout is a 70-year-old retired rice farmer. Lout has two sons, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. Five years ago, her husband passed away due to hypertension. She lives with her eldest daughter who manages the ancestral farmland. When Lout is not cooking or helping her daughter care for the grandchildren, she enjoys listening to monks chant on the radio. Two years ago, Lout developed a cataract in her left eye, causing light sensitivity, blurry vision, and tearing. 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 Lout learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On September 30th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Lout say, "I hope I can see better so I can take care of myself. I want to go to the pagoda by myself and visit with my neighbors without being afraid I will fall."

Chanthol is a 34-year-old vegetable farmer. He lives outside of Phnom Penh and has two sisters and two brothers. He is not yet married and lives with his parents. His father has retired from being a tuk-tuk driver and his mother helps him sell his vegetables at a local market. In his spare time, he likes to play football with his friends. Three years ago, Chanthol had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Chanthol experiences ringing in the ear with purulent ear discharge. He has tried medicine from the pharmacy but it has not helped. He cannot hear well anymore, and his family says his ability to communicate has deteriorated. Chanthol traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On December 14th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chanthol said: "I hope after this operation, I will have no pain, and I will be able to hear better when people talk to me."